Meatballs with sauce and homemade noodles

Meatballs with Sauce and Homemade Noodles – A Delicacy for the Whole Family

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I present to you a recipe that will delight not only your taste buds but also the entire family: meatballs with sauce and homemade noodles. This dish is a favorite among children and not just them, but also adults, due to its rich flavors and soft texture. The meatballs are baked, and the vegetable and tomato sauce gives them a special taste, while the homemade noodles are that detail that makes the difference. Let's get to work!

A short story about meatballs

Meatballs are a traditional dish in many cultures, based on minced meat, which is combined with various ingredients to form a hearty and flavorful meal. Over time, each family has put its own stamp on the recipe, so today there are countless variations of this dish. In our family, meatballs are a symbol of gatherings and joy, served at festive meals or simply on ordinary days when we want to indulge in something special.

Necessary ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A bunch of fresh dill
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste

For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 3 tablespoons bell pepper paste
- 1 cup tomato juice (ideally homemade)
- 75 ml sweet white wine
- 2 bay leaves
- Spices (basil, oregano, turmeric, salt, white pepper – a pinch of each)
- 1 bowl of homemade noodles

Preparing the meatballs:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the chicken breast, onion, garlic, dill, and parsley. Use a food processor to save time, but if you prefer, you can chop them manually to maintain the texture.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the onion and garlic. Add the olive oil, beaten egg, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If you want fluffier meatballs, let the mixture chill for 15-30 minutes.

3. Forming the meatballs: Rub a little olive oil on your hands and form meatballs of uniform size. They will bake evenly and have a nice presentation.

4. Baking the meatballs: Place the meatballs in a baking tray greased with a little olive oil. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the meatballs for 30 minutes, until golden and well cooked.

Preparing the sauce:

1. Sautéing the vegetables: In a deep skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the grated carrot and finely chopped onion. Sprinkle a little salt and add 2-3 tablespoons of water to steam them. Let them cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until soft.

2. Adding ingredients for the sauce: After the vegetables have sautéed, add the bell pepper paste and mix well. Pour in about 2 cups of water, then add the spices and bay leaves. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 7 minutes.

3. Finalizing the sauce: After the meatballs have been baked, pour the prepared sauce over them in the tray and stir gently. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and leave it in the oven for another 20-25 minutes.

Preparing the homemade noodles:

1. Dough for the noodles: In a bowl, combine 200 g of flour with one egg and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic. Let it rest for 20 minutes, then roll it out thinly and cut it into strips.

2. Boiling the noodles: Boil the noodles in salted water for 3-5 minutes until al dente. Drain them and add them to the tray over the meatballs.

3. Finalizing the dish: Add a glass of the water in which you boiled the noodles and the sweet white wine. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper. If you want a thicker sauce, feel free to add more water, as the starch will bind the sauce perfectly.

4. Serving: After everything has been in the oven, take the tray out and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Serve the meatballs with sauce and noodles, sprinkled with grated Parmesan on top, if desired!

Tips and variations:

- You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini or bell pepper, to give it more color and nutrients.
- If you want a spicier sauce, add a little chili or hot pepper.
- Meatballs can be made from pork or beef, depending on preferences.
- An excellent combination to accompany this dish is a fresh vegetable salad, which will add a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken meat, while the homemade noodles provide complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. The vegetables in the sauce contribute fiber and vitamins, making this dish a healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace chicken with another meat?
Yes, you can use pork, beef, or even a vegetarian option with tofu or mushrooms.

- What type of wine can I use?
Sweet white wine is ideal, but you can also use a dry wine, depending on preferences.

- How can I store the meatballs?
They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days or frozen for later use.

Now that you know everything you need to prepare meatballs with sauce and homemade noodles, don’t hesitate! Try this delicious recipe and treat your family to a dish that combines tradition with authentic taste. Bon appétit!