Meatballs with white sauce

Meatballs with white sauce – a delicious recipe!

There are so many ways to prepare meatballs, but today we will focus on a special version, with a creamy white sauce inspired by a popular recipe I recently discovered. This meatball recipe with Bechamel sauce is perfect for family dinners or a special meal with friends. With a combination of flavors and textures, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients you need

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (you can use beef, pork, or chicken; I added a piece of smoked bacon for extra flavor)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 slice of bread (about 50 g)
- 2 eggs
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley
- 2-3 green onions
- Flour (for coating the meatballs)
- Oil (for frying)

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 500 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 40 g butter
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 100 ml sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cow cheese (or a bit of cheese, for a richer flavor)

Preparing the meatballs

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and washing the onion, then slice it into rings. In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the onion for 2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden. This step helps to enhance the flavors.

2. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and grate them. They will add moisture and texture to the meatballs.

3. Preparing the bread: Take the slice of bread, soak it in cold milk for a few minutes, then squeeze it well in your hands. The soaked bread will help bind the ingredients.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped bacon, sautéed onion, grated potato, squeezed bread, eggs, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well until homogeneous. It is important to have a uniform mixture to achieve delicious meatballs.

5. Chilling the mixture: Cover the bowl with a towel and let it chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This step will help firm up the mixture, making it easier to form the meatballs.

6. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form medium-sized meatballs, then coat them in flour. The flour will help achieve a crispy crust during frying.

7. Frying the meatballs: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the meatballs on both sides until they become golden and crispy. Once ready, let them rest on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the Bechamel sauce

1. Melting the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to obtain a light roux. This step is crucial to avoid lumps in the sauce.

2. Adding the milk: Start adding the milk gradually, constantly whisking to achieve a smooth mixture. It is essential to add the milk little by little to prevent lumps from forming.

3. Thickening the sauce: Continue stirring over low heat until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavors.

4. Finishing the sauce: Once the Bechamel sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and incorporate the sour cream. This ingredient will add delicious creaminess.

Assembling and baking

1. Preparing the dish: Take a baking dish and grease it with butter to prevent the meatballs from sticking.

2. Arranging the meatballs: Place the meatballs in the dish, add pieces of cow cheese (or cheese) and pour the Bechamel sauce on top.

3. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish in the oven for 20 minutes. This step will help blend the flavors and melt the cheese.

4. Finalizing: After 20 minutes, take the dish out of the oven, add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then put it back in for another 10 minutes.

Serving

The meatballs with white sauce are excellent served with mashed potatoes, rice, or even on their own, accompanied by a fresh salad. Their savory taste and the creamy texture of the Bechamel sauce will turn any meal into a memorable experience!

Useful tips

- For a richer flavor, you can add herbs like oregano or basil to the meatball mixture.
- If you want to simplify the process, you can use ground chicken, which cooks faster and has a milder taste.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them, thus obtaining a lower-calorie option.

Nutritional values

This meatball recipe with white sauce is rich in protein due to the meat and eggs, providing a hearty meal. Each serving has approximately 550 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. The meatballs are a good source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the vegetables included in the mixture, as well as healthy fats from sour cream and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before baking them. Make sure to divide them into portions and store them in airtight bags.

2. Can I use vegetables instead of meat?
Sure! You can make vegetarian meatballs using a combination of grated vegetables, lentils, or chickpeas.

3. What other sauces can I use?
Instead of Bechamel sauce, you can try a tomato sauce or even a mustard sauce for a different taste.

Conclusion

Meatballs with white sauce are an excellent choice for any meal. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will create a dish that will impress everyone. Cook with love, experiment with ingredients, and enjoy every bite! I invite you to share your impressions about this recipe and try to personalize it to your tastes. Bon appétit!