Marinated meatballs with rice noodles

Marinated meatballs with rice noodles: a delicious and nutritious recipe

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors and tastes! Today, I present to you an enticing recipe for marinated meatballs with rice noodles, a dish that perfectly combines textures and flavors, offering a complete, delicious, and nutritious menu. These meatballs are easy to prepare and are a perfect choice for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Let's start the culinary adventure!

A brief history

Meatballs have a long history, with roots in various culinary cultures around the world. They are often made from minced meat but can easily be adapted to suit individual preferences. The combination of meat with vegetables and spices gives them a unique taste, and cooking them in a flavorful sauce makes them even more delicious. Today, we will play with flavors and textures, so that each bite is an explosion of tastes.

Ingredients for meatballs

- 500 g minced pork
- 1 slice of bread
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 small onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Ingredients for the sauce

- 400 ml tomato juice
- 100 ml white wine
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with honey
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 bay leaves
- A pinch of pepper

Ingredients for garnish

- Vifon rice noodles

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the meatballs
Start by soaking the slice of bread in water. After a few minutes, squeeze the bread well and grate it. This will add moisture and improve the texture of the meatballs.

Peel the carrot and grate it. This will add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the meatballs.

Chop the onion and garlic finely, then place them in a large bowl along with the minced meat. Add the grated bread, carrot, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.

Use your hands to mix all the ingredients well, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This step is essential for getting uniform and tasty meatballs.

Form the meatballs into walnut-sized balls and place them on a grill or in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

2. Baking the meatballs
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes until they are golden and well-cooked. This cooking method will make them healthier compared to frying.

3. Preparing the sauce
In a deep pan, add the tomato juice, white wine, crushed garlic, and the other ingredients for the sauce. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors combine. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of chili pepper or chili flakes.

4. Finishing the dish
Once the sauce is ready, add the meatballs directly to the pan and turn off the heat. Let them rest in the sauce for 5-10 minutes so that the flavors infuse well into the meatballs.

5. Preparing the rice noodles
Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, they are boiled for about 5 minutes or can be soaked in hot water.

6. Serving
Serve the marinated meatballs alongside the rice noodles, drizzled with the delicious sauce and garnished with fresh dill leaves. This combination not only looks appetizing but also offers a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Practical tips

- A delicious variation of this recipe can include adding grated cheese to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you don't have pork, you can use chicken or turkey, and for a vegetarian option, try replacing the meat with lentils or chickpeas.
- Make sure the sauce is well-seasoned, as it will add depth and complexity to the final taste.

Nutritional benefits

This marinated meatball recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Pork provides essential protein, while the added vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals. Rice noodles are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for an active day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare the meatballs a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake them and prepare the sauce.

2. What other sauces can I use for meatballs?
You can experiment with soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even barbecue sauce to completely change the flavor profile.

3. What other side dishes go well with meatballs?
These meatballs are also excellent with mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.

4. How can I store leftover meatballs?
Keep the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan.

I hope this recipe for marinated meatballs with rice noodles brings you joy and satisfaction in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!