Spaghetti with meatballs

Spaghetti with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Recipe history: Spaghetti with meatballs is a dish that has won the hearts of many over time. This dish combines the tradition of pasta with the warmth and flavor of meatballs, resulting in a meal that offers comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Throughout history, pasta and meat have been combined in various ways, and this simple yet flavorful recipe brings those traditions together in a delicious way.

Ingredients:
- 1 pack of spaghetti (about 400 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 400 ml tomato juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2-3 tablespoons flour
- Spices (salt, pepper, oregano, basil to taste)
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml cooking cream
- Meatballs (preferably boiled or fried, prepared beforehand)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Boiling the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain and quickly rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This is a crucial trick to achieve perfect spaghetti that won’t become mushy.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can give the sauce a bitter taste.

3. Adding flour and tomato paste: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce. Then, add the tomato paste and mix well, letting the ingredients combine.

4. Including the tomato juice: Gradually add the tomato juice, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Along the way, don’t forget to add your favorite spices - salt, pepper, oregano, and basil - to enhance the flavor.

5. Preparing the meatballs: If you don’t have prepared meatballs, now is the time to fry or boil them. Make sure they are well cooked before adding them to the sauce.

6. Final preparation of the spaghetti: In a large bowl, mix the spaghetti with the butter and cream to achieve a creamy texture. Add the thickened tomato sauce and meatballs, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.

7. Serving: Transfer the spaghetti with meatballs to a large platter. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a pleasant appearance and an extra flavor boost.

8. Serving suggestions: This dish is delicious served with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread. A glass of red wine or homemade lemonade pairs perfectly with this dish.

Helpful tips:
- You can customize the meatballs by adding feta cheese or herbs for extra flavor.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the cream with Greek yogurt.
- If you have time, let the sauce simmer longer to intensify the flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a healthier option and provides a slightly different texture.
2. What other spices can I use? You can experiment with dried basil, thyme, or even chili for a spicy sauce.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Replace the meatballs with vegetable or mushroom meatballs.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in carbohydrates from the pasta, providing the energy needed for an active day. The meatballs provide essential proteins, and the tomato sauce is a good source of antioxidants, thanks to the lycopene in tomatoes.

Calories:
A serving of spaghetti with meatballs contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion of meatballs.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to start cooking! Enjoy every step of the process and remember that cooking is an art that deserves to be savored. Bon appétit!