Potato Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

We start by cleaning the potatoes, making sure to remove any black spots or imperfections. Once finished, we cut them into medium-sized cubes to boil them evenly. We place the potatoes in a pot with cold water and add a pinch of salt, then put them to boil. We let them boil for about 20 minutes or until they become soft but not too crumbly. When they are ready, we drain the water and let them cool slightly. After they have cooled, we mash them with a potato masher, adding the margarine, salt, and pepper until we achieve a consistent puree. It is essential to mix well to ensure that the margarine melts completely and integrates into the puree. Once the puree has cooled, we transfer it to a covered dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to firm up until the next day.

The next day, we take the puree out of the refrigerator and transfer it to a large bowl. We start gradually adding the flour and baking powder, mixing with a spatula or our hands until we achieve a homogeneous dough, but not too firm, so that we can easily shape the meatballs. If necessary, we can add a little more flour, being careful not to overdo it, so as not to dry out the dough.

Now, with slightly wet hands, we shape the dough into small meatball forms, which we then coat in flour to prevent sticking during frying. In a deep pan, we heat the oil until it becomes hot, then add the meatballs, frying them until they turn golden and crispy on the outside. It is important not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they fry evenly.

Meanwhile, we prepare the sauce. We peel and finely chop the onion, then sauté it in a pan with oil until it becomes translucent. We add the frozen vegetables directly to the pan, a pinch of salt, and a cup of water, letting them boil for about 10 minutes until they soften. After that, we incorporate the tomato juice, adjust the taste with salt, and add the crushed garlic clove, letting the sauce simmer for another 10 minutes for the flavors to blend.

For serving, we place the meatballs on a plate, generously pouring the delicious sauce on top, allowing the flavors to combine perfectly. This dish will surely become a cherished delicacy at lunch or dinner, delighting everyone who tastes it.