Marinated meatballs

Marinated meatballs with tomato sauce – a classic recipe, full of flavor and comfort

Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour Number of servings: 4

In the culinary world, marinated meatballs or spaghetti with meatballs are a symbol of joy and conviviality. These delicious meatballs, soaked in a rich tomato sauce, remind us of family meals, festive moments, and culinary traditions that unite us. No matter what you call them, meatballs are an excellent choice for a quick yet sophisticated dinner.

A brief history of the recipe

Meatballs have a long history, with origins in various culinary cultures around the world. From our grandmothers' traditional recipes to modern ones, this dish has adapted over time, yet it retains its essence – ground meat, spices, and a delicious sauce. One thing is certain: they are very versatile and can be customized according to individual preferences.

Ingredients for meatballs:

- 2 small slices of stale bread or one large slice
- 500 g ground meat (a mix of pork and beef, chicken, or your preference)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 25 g grated cheese (or a medium potato, finely grated, for a lighter version)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients for the sauce:

- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- 800 g tomatoes in puree (whole or chopped, as preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Grated cheese, for serving

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the meatballs:
Start by soaking the two slices of bread in 80 ml of water or milk. This step is essential for achieving soft and juicy meatballs. Let them absorb the liquid for 5 minutes.

2. Combine the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the ground meat, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, beaten egg, grated cheese (or grated potato), and crushed garlic cloves. Squeeze the soaked bread and add it to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well with your hands until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Shape the meatballs:
With wet hands, shape small meatballs (about 2-3 cm in diameter) and place them on a plate.

4. Fry the meatballs:
In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the meatballs on all sides until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Prepare the tomato sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped chili pepper and tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. If using whole tomatoes, be sure to chop them well with a spatula.

6. Add the meatballs to the sauce:
Once the sauce begins to boil, add the fried meatballs and let them simmer together for 20 minutes. This time will allow the meatballs to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.

7. Finish and serve:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top. Serve the marinated meatballs with tomato sauce alongside hot spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or simply on a slice of fresh bread.

Practical tips:

- For juicier meatballs: Add a bit of milk or cream to the meat mixture. This will help retain moisture.
- Variations: You can add spices like paprika or cumin to the meat mixture for a more intense flavor.
- Serving: Pair these meatballs with a glass of red wine or fresh lemonade to balance the rich flavors of the sauce.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g

These marinated meatballs are not only a delicious choice but also an excellent source of protein. Ground meat provides essential nutrients, and the tomato sauce is rich in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely! Turkey meat is a leaner option and just as delicious.

- How can I store the meatballs?
The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for later use.

- What other recipes can I try with tomato sauce?
Experiment with oven-roasted vegetables, baked pasta, or pizza; all of these can be enhanced with a delicious tomato sauce!

I conclude this recipe with a personal note: marinated meatballs are true comfort food for me. Each bite reminds me of warm family meals from childhood. So, don't hesitate to prepare this dish and share joyful moments with your loved ones! Bon appétit!