Mushroom meatballs with ramsons sauce

Mushroom Meatballs with Wild Garlic Cream Sauce

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

Welcome to the world of delicious flavors! Today, I will share a recipe that combines textures and aromas, evoking childhood memories. Mushroom meatballs with wild garlic sauce are an excellent choice for a comforting dinner, but also an amazing option for festive meals. These meatballs are not only delicious but also healthy, thanks to the natural and nutritious ingredients they contain.

A bit of history about meatballs

Meatballs, in general, have a rich and varied history, being culinary preparations found in many cultures. Whether made from meat, vegetables, or mushrooms, they are appreciated for their versatility. In our version, the use of mushrooms adds a unique flavor and a soft texture, perfect for enjoying with a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 800 g fresh mushrooms (preferably wild mushrooms or champignon)
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 potato
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Dried crumb from 2-3 slices of bread
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour + a few tablespoons for coating the meatballs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying

For the sauce:
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 600 g sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 bunch of dill
- Half a bunch of fresh wild garlic
- Salt, to taste

Step by Step

Preparing the meatballs

1. Preparing the mushrooms: Start by washing the mushrooms well under running water to remove dirt. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water and let them boil for 2-3 minutes. This process will help the mushrooms retain their aroma and texture. After boiling, drain them well and let them cool.

2. Chopping the ingredients: Once the mushrooms have cooled, finely chop them. In a large bowl, add the chopped mushrooms, carrot, onion, potato, and garlic, all grated on a fine grater. This will ensure a homogenous mixture and help the meatballs bind better.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Add the beaten eggs and finely chopped parsley to the bowl. Mix the ingredients well to obtain a uniform composition. It is essential to ensure that all ingredients are well integrated.

4. Adding the flour: Add the crushed bread crumb and flour. If the mixture is too wet, gradually add a tablespoon of flour until you obtain a slightly moldable paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form small balls from the obtained mixture. This simple trick prevents the dough from sticking to your hands. Coat each ball in flour to achieve a crispy crust.

6. Frying the meatballs: In a heated pan with oil, add the meatballs and fry them until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the sauce

1. Sautéing the garlic: In the same pan, finely chop the 3 cloves of garlic and sauté them in the melted butter until they turn golden. The aroma of the garlic will perfectly combine with that of the meatballs.

2. Adding the meatballs to the sauce: Place the fried meatballs in the pan and mix well with the sautéed garlic.

3. Preparing the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with a little water and flour. Gradually add this mixture over the meatballs, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

4. Finalizing the sauce: Finely chop the dill and wild garlic, and add them to the sauce. Season with salt to taste and mix well. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for a few minutes until it thickens.

Serving

Serve the meatballs hot, covered with the creamy sauce. They pair perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh vegetable salad. You can add a slice of toasted bread to complete the meal.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh mushrooms: Buy quality mushrooms and ensure they are fresh. Younger mushrooms have a more intense flavor and better texture.
- Experiment with spices: You can add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- Variations: Replace the mushrooms with seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to create varied vegetarian meatballs.

Nutritional Benefits

These meatballs are rich in protein due to the eggs and contain fiber from vegetables, making them a healthy choice. Mushrooms are low in calories and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen mushrooms? Yes, but it is advisable to fully defrost them and drain them well before using.
- How can I make the meatballs less greasy? You can bake the meatballs instead of frying them, at a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius, for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Can I replace the sour cream? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative for a lighter sauce.

Conclusion

Mushroom meatballs with wild garlic sauce are a versatile, easy-to-make recipe full of flavor. Whether you enjoy them at a family meal or serve them to guests, they are sure to be a hit. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!