Potato balls with tomato sauce and boiled cauliflower

Lenten meatballs with tomato sauce and boiled cauliflower: a delicious and economical recipe

When it comes to Lenten dishes, we often look for solutions that are not only nourishing but also flavorful. Lenten meatballs made from potatoes and soy are an excellent choice, and combining them with a fresh tomato sauce and boiled cauliflower transforms this dish into a culinary feast. Moreover, this recipe is simple and accessible, perfect for days when we want to enjoy a delicious meal without exceeding our budget.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 750 g boiled potatoes with skin
- 100 g soy granules
- 1 bunch of green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- Flour for coating
- Oil for frying

For the tomato sauce:
- 1/2 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 small leek
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil

For the garnish:
- 1 small cauliflower

Recipe history:

Meatballs have a rich history in various culinary cultures, being adapted according to available ingredients. Among Lenten recipes, these potato and soy meatballs provide significant nutritional value, combining carbohydrates from potatoes with proteins from soy. This recipe is an inspired choice, not only in terms of flavor but also health.

Step by step to make delicious meatballs:

1. Preparing the soy granules: Start by placing the soy granules in a pot with about 150 ml of water and a teaspoon of vegetable seasoning. Boil for 10-15 minutes until the water is completely absorbed. These granules will add an interesting texture to your meatballs.

2. Boiling the potatoes: Wash the potatoes well under cold running water to remove impurities. Place them in a pot of water and boil them with the skin until a fork easily pierces them, about 20-25 minutes. Once done, let them cool slightly, then peel and grate them with a large grater.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the grated potatoes, boiled soy granules, finely chopped green onions, salt and pepper to taste, and breadcrumbs. Mix all the ingredients well until combined.

4. Forming the meatballs: Spread flour on a plate. Take a portion of the meatball mixture and form balls of your desired size. Roll them in flour, ensuring they are completely coated. This step will help achieve a crispy crust when frying.

5. Frying the meatballs: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry until golden and crispy on all sides. You can fry 4-5 meatballs at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.

6. Preparing the cauliflower: While the meatballs are frying, wash the cauliflower and boil it in salted water for about 10-15 minutes until tender but not overly soft.

Preparing the tomato sauce:

1. In a separate pan, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped leek for 2-3 minutes until it becomes transparent.
2. Add the mustard seeds and mix well.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving:

On a plate, arrange a few golden meatballs alongside the boiled cauliflower and pour the tomato sauce over the top. You can garnish the plate with fresh parsley leaves for a pleasant appearance and an extra burst of flavor. This combination of flavors and textures will turn your meal into a true feast.

Useful tips:

- You can experiment with various spices in the meatball mixture, adding garlic or herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
- If you want to speed up the preparation, you can use pre-cooked or store-bought mashed potatoes.
- The meatballs can also be served with a fresh salad, providing a contrast of textures and flavors.
- Instead of tomato sauce, you can opt for a yogurt sauce with garlic, which pairs perfectly with the meatballs.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?
Yes, you can replace cauliflower with broccoli or zucchini, both of which are excellent if boiled or steamed.

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

3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Unfried meatballs can be frozen. Make sure to place them on a tray in the freezer to firm up, then transfer them to an airtight container.

4. What drinks pair well with these meatballs?
Fresh lemonade or iced mint tea are excellent options to accompany this dish. Additionally, a dry white wine can perfectly complement the flavors.

These Lenten meatballs with tomato sauce and boiled cauliflower are not just a nourishing dish but also an excellent way to bring joy and flavor to your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!