Chicken meatballs in sour cream sauce with mushrooms and polenta

Chicken meatballs in sour cream sauce with mushrooms and polenta

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the tenderness of chicken meat, the creaminess of sour cream sauce, and the unmistakable aroma of mushrooms? Chicken meatballs in sour cream sauce with mushrooms are an excellent choice for a comforting and flavorful dinner. Additionally, polenta, a traditional accompaniment, enriches this dish, turning it into an unforgettable feast.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for meatballs:
- 500 g minced chicken
- 2 eggs
- 4-5 slices of bread (preferably a day old)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of instant broth (optional)

Ingredients for sour cream sauce with mushrooms:
- 250 g sour cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- A handful of fresh or canned mushrooms (finely chopped)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- Oil for frying
- Salt, to taste

Ingredients for polenta:
- 1 liter of water
- A pinch of salt
- 250 g cornmeal (approximately)

Recipe history:
Meatballs have a long-standing tradition, being prepared in numerous cultures. Generally, they symbolize comfort and the warmth of home, and the combination of meat with rich sauces has been appreciated over time. What makes this recipe special is the sour cream sauce with mushrooms, which adds a sophisticated yet accessible note to every meal.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meatballs:
- Start by soaking the slices of bread in water, then squeeze them well to remove excess water. This step will help achieve a fluffier texture for the meatballs.
- In a large bowl, add the minced chicken, squeezed bread, eggs, chopped parsley, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and if desired, the instant broth. Mix well until homogeneous. A useful technique is to use your (well-washed) hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly integrated.
- Form the meatballs into balls or discs, depending on your preferences. A standard size is about 3-4 cm in diameter.

2. Frying the meatballs:
- In a frying pan, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil should reach an appropriate temperature for frying so that the meatballs become golden and crispy.
- Cook the meatballs in batches, so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden on all sides, then remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

3. Preparing the sour cream sauce with mushrooms:
- In the same pan, add the chopped mushrooms and garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a quarter cup of water, then add this mixture to the pan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the sour cream and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then add the fried meatballs. Allow everything to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Adjust the sauce with salt and add chopped parsley at the end.

4. Preparing the polenta:
- In a pot, bring 1 liter of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Let the polenta simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and creamy.
- Pour the polenta onto a wooden board or plate and let it cool slightly before cutting it into slices.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the chicken meatballs with sour cream and mushroom sauce alongside warm polenta. You can garnish the plate with a few fresh parsley leaves, and for an extra touch of flavor, add a spoonful of sour cream on top.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the chicken with turkey or even a combination of minced pork and beef. Additionally, the sauce can be enriched with herbs such as thyme or marjoram for an even more complex flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh ones? Yes, canned mushrooms are a convenient choice and can provide a similar taste, but make sure to drain them well before use.
- How can I store polenta? Polenta stores well in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water or milk.
- Is this recipe suitable for children? Yes, chicken meatballs are a healthy and delicious option for children, and the sour cream and mushroom sauce makes them even more appealing.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the chicken, while mushrooms add fiber and essential micronutrients. Polenta, rich in carbohydrates, offers energy, being a filling food.

Enjoy your meal and savor every bite! This recipe for chicken meatballs in sour cream sauce with mushrooms and polenta promises to quickly become a family favorite!