Beetroot meatballs with game sauce

Beetroot meatballs with hunter's sauce

If you are looking for a recipe that combines health with flavor, then beetroot meatballs with hunter's sauce are the perfect choice. This dish is not only a colorful delicacy but also a true feast for the taste buds. In this detailed guide, I will show you how to create these delicious meatballs step by step, in a friendly and warm manner, to help you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 5 small beetroots (approximately 300g)
- 2 large potatoes (approximately 400g)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- A handful of baby spinach (approximately 50g)
- 50g breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying

For the hunter's sauce:
- 700g carrots
- 300g mushrooms
- 2 bunches of ramsons
- 1 onion
- ½ celery
- 1 stalk of celery
- Salt, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon of starch
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- 200ml soy milk

Brief history
Beetroot meatballs are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy yet tasty meal. They are often associated with vegan or vegetarian dishes, being an ideal way to use vegetables creatively. The hunter's sauce, on the other hand, is a dish that combines the rich flavors of vegetables with a slightly smoky note, bringing a rustic accent that perfectly complements the meatballs.

Step by step for meatballs

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, wash the beetroots and potatoes well, then place them in a tray and bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until soft. Once cooled, peel and grate them.

2. Chopping the ingredients:
Wash and peel the vegetables needed for the meatballs. Finely chop the green onion and spinach. Once the beetroots and potatoes are cooled, mix them with the chopped onion and spinach. Add salt to taste and the breadcrumbs, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the meatballs:
With wet hands, form meatballs from the obtained mixture. Make sure they are of uniform size for even cooking. Place them on a plate.

4. Frying the meatballs:
In a deep pan, heat the oil. When it is hot, fry the meatballs on both sides until golden and crispy. Remove them onto an absorbent paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step by step for the hunter's sauce

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Peel and wash the carrots, mushrooms, onion, celery, and stalk of celery. Grate the carrots, slice the mushrooms, and finely chop the onion, celery, and stalk of celery.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pan, sauté the onion in a little oil until transparent. Add the celery and stalk of celery, followed by the grated carrots. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and stir occasionally, letting the vegetables soften.

3. Adding the mushrooms:
After about 5 minutes, add the sliced mushrooms and season with pepper and bay leaves. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat.

4. Finalizing the sauce:
After the mushrooms have softened, add the chopped ramsons and a splash of water. Let it simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix the starch with the mustard and soy milk. Pour this mixture into the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove the bay leaves and use a blender to achieve a creamy texture.

Serving

These beetroot meatballs are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside the hunter's sauce, adding a garnish of fresh salad for a contrast of textures and flavors. Another serving suggestion is to place them on a bed of mashed potatoes or cauliflower, creating an elegant and appetizing platter.

Useful tips

- Variations of ingredients: You can experiment with different types of vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to vary the taste of the meatballs.
- Oven-baked meatballs: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Place them on a tray lined with baking paper and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Alternative sauces: Instead of the hunter's sauce, you can try a yogurt sauce with garlic or a spicy tomato-based sauce to add a note of freshness.

Nutritional benefits

These beetroot meatballs are rich in nutrients, having a high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Beetroot is known for its detoxifying properties and its effect on improving circulation. Additionally, the hunter's sauce, full of vegetables, provides a healthy dose of fiber and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace beetroot with other vegetables?
Yes, you can use carrots or zucchini instead of beetroot, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt and breadcrumbs.

2. How can I store the meatballs?
The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan.

3. Can the meatballs be frozen?
Yes, the meatballs can be frozen. It is recommended to freeze them before frying to maintain optimal texture.

I hope this recipe for beetroot meatballs with hunter's sauce brings you joy in the kitchen and on your table. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!