Spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce

Captivating Spaghetti with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce

If you're looking for a meal that's both comforting and full of flavor, you've come to the right place! Spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce is a classic dish that brings a touch of warmth to any day. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a true culinary story, filled with tradition and enticing flavors. Get ready to discover how you can transform simple ingredients into a gastronomic masterpiece!

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

For spaghetti:
- 400 g spaghetti
- 2 liters of water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

For meatballs:
- 250 g minced meat (you can use beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon rice (uncooked)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For tomato sauce:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (optional, for extra flavor), diced
- 250 ml tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh or dried basil (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the sauce)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cooking the spaghetti:
Start by placing 2 liters of water in a large pot. Add a teaspoon of salt and wait for it to reach boiling point. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes for al dente). Once cooked, drain them in a colander and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the meatballs:
In a bowl, combine the minced meat with the egg, rice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until homogeneous and form small balls about 2-3 cm in diameter. These meatballs will be full of flavor and will add substance to the dish.

3. Cooking the meatballs:
In a large skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the meatballs over medium heat until they are evenly browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). This step will help enhance the flavors.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced bell pepper and continue to sauté for a few minutes to extract its flavor. Then, pour in 250 ml of tomato puree, add sugar, salt, and basil. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Thickening the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water until you obtain a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the tomato sauce and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until it becomes creamy and rich.

6. Assembling the dish:
Add the sautéed meatballs to the tomato sauce and let them combine for a few minutes. Then, mix the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs or serve them separately, depending on your preference.

7. Serving:
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to give a personal touch to the tomato sauce.
- If you want to enrich the dish, add finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the tomato sauce.
- Instead of rice, you can add breadcrumbs to the meatball mixture for a lighter texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is an excellent source of protein from the meat and eggs, while tomatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. The spaghetti brings essential carbohydrates for energy.

Approximate calories per serving: 550 kcal (varies depending on the ingredients used).

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken for the meatballs?
Yes, chicken is an excellent choice and will give a different flavor to the dish.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
By adding chili flakes or chili sauce to the tomato sauce, you'll achieve a spicy and bold flavor.

3. What drinks go well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to accompany spaghetti with meatballs.

In conclusion, spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce is a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort. With every bite, you'll feel the warmth from the kitchen and the love for cooking. So, don't hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together at the table! Enjoy your meal!