Oven-baked veal meatballs in marinade with bulgur

Oven-baked veal meatballs in marinade with bulgur

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

I present you a delicious recipe for oven-baked veal meatballs, accompanied by a savory marinade and lightly cooked bulgur. This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy, providing you with a balanced meal full of protein and fiber. The meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends, and the combination of flavors will delight your taste buds!

The history of meatballs is rich, with ancient origins and being part of the traditional cuisines of many cultures. They have evolved over time, with each region contributing its unique touch regarding spices and cooking methods. Today, I will show you how to prepare juicy oven-baked veal meatballs that are both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 grams ground veal
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal)
- 1 heaping teaspoon Italian herb mix
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- Baking paper

For the marinade:
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 small red pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon four-season pepper
- 2 small cans of tomato paste

Water garnish (for 2 servings):
- 2 large cups of bulgur
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, add the ground veal. This is an excellent choice as veal is leaner and less fatty than other types of meat, while also being rich in protein and essential nutrients.
- Add the garlic powder, chili paste, Italian spices, and salt. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
- Incorporate the breadcrumbs and eggs, which will help bind the mixture. Use wet hands to form meatballs of desired size. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper to prevent sticking.

2. Baking the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 240 degrees Celsius. This high temperature will help the meatballs brown nicely, giving them a crispy crust and juicy filling.
- Bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes, until golden and well-cooked. In the meantime, you can prepare the marinade.

3. Preparing the marinade:
- Finely chop the onion, red pepper, and garlic clove. These vegetables will add flavor and sweetness to your sauce.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over low heat and add the onion, pepper, and garlic. Sauté them, stirring frequently, until they soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and a few tablespoons of water. This step will transform the sauce into a delicious and flavorful dish. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 7 minutes.

4. Finalizing the dish:
- Once the marinade is ready, add half of the meatballs to the pan, along with the four-season pepper. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes so that the flavors blend perfectly.
- Turn off the heat and let everything rest for a few minutes for the flavors to develop.

5. Preparing the bulgur:
- Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then drain it using a sieve. Bulgur is a healthy alternative to rice or pasta, being rich in fiber and nutrients.

6. Serving:
- On each plate, place a serving of bulgur, then add the meatballs with marinade on top, using a ladle to distribute them evenly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra splash of color and freshness.

Practical tip

If you want to enrich the recipe, you can add various fresh herbs to the meatball mixture, such as dill or coriander. These will provide a more intense flavor and a note of freshness.

Serving combinations and suggestions

- These meatballs are excellent served alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
- You can accompany the dish with a yogurt sauce with mint, which will add a refreshing note.
- For a complete meal, you can serve a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute veal with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even a combination of ground meats. Each variant will provide a different flavor.

2. How can I make the meatballs less fatty?
- Use only lean ground meat and avoid adding too much breadcrumbs. Also, baking in the oven is a healthier method compared to frying.

3. Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
- Of course! You can form the meatballs a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Then, you can bake them before serving.

Nutritional values

A serving of veal meatballs with marinade and bulgur contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the bulgur portion. This is a balanced meal, rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! I assure you that the result will meet your expectations. Enjoy your meal!