Meatballs in sauce with reduced peas

Meatballs in sauce and reduced peas

Opening a plate of aromatic meatballs in sauce with a side of reduced peas is like a journey back in time, to the days when grandma spoiled us with warm and comforting meals. This recipe is not just a meal, but a ritual that connects us to family traditions and childhood flavors. The meatballs are versatile and can be prepared in many ways, but this version, with tomato sauce and peas, is simply irresistible. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g ground beef
- 3 eggs
- 200 g breadcrumbs (or crushed breadsticks)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley (optional)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- soy oil for frying

For the reduced peas:
- 400 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste

For the tomato sauce:
- 500 ml tomato sauce (preferably homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- a leaf of basil or oregano, fresh or dried
- salt, to taste
- a small piece of chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, Parmesan, parsley, and minced garlic. Use a fork to mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It is important that all the ingredients are well integrated to obtain juicy and flavorful meatballs.

Practical tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can also add some favorite spices, such as paprika or cumin.
- Make sure the meat is at room temperature before starting for better integration of the ingredients.

Step 2: Forming the meatballs
With wet hands, form balls the size of a golf ball. If you prefer smaller meatballs, you can make them smaller, and if you like them larger, adjust the size. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Frying the meatballs
In a large skillet, heat the soy oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them until they become golden and crispy on the outside, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Preparing the reduced peas
In a pot, add the olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the peas and mix well. It is important that the peas are fresh or well-thawed. Pour boiling water over the peas and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let the peas simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Preparing the tomato sauce
In a separate skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until golden. Add the tomato sauce and let it simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Add the basil or oregano and chili pepper, if using. Season with salt to taste.

Step 6: Combining the meatballs with the peas and tomato sauce
If the peas are ready, add 4 meatballs to the pot and pour boiling water over them to cover everything. Let them simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes so that the meatballs absorb the flavor of the peas. In the same manner, add another 4 meatballs to the tomato sauce and let them cook for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Serving
Serve the meatballs alongside the reduced peas, with tomato sauce on top. You can garnish with a bit of chopped fresh parsley for a more attractive appearance. This combination is so delicious that nothing will be left on the plate!

Serving ideas and variations:
- You can also add mashed potatoes or rice as a side dish to make the meal even more filling.
- If you prefer a spicy version, add more chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
- For a crunchy texture, you can bake the meatballs in the oven instead of frying them.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatballs are an excellent source of protein due to the beef, and peas are full of vitamins and minerals, being rich in fiber. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.

Calories:
A serving of meatballs in sauce and reduced peas (approximately 2 meatballs and a serving of peas) contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey, but the cooking time may vary.
- What other vegetables can I add to the reduced peas?
Grated carrots, potatoes, or even zucchini are excellent options.

In conclusion, meatballs in sauce and reduced peas are a heartfelt recipe that brings not only taste but also beautiful memories to the plate. Whether you prepare them for a family dinner or to impress guests, they are sure to quickly become everyone's favorite. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For meatballs: 500 g ground beef, 3 eggs, 200 g breadcrumbs (or crushed breadsticks), salt, pepper, 100 g parmesan, chopped parsley (if available), 2 cloves of crushed garlic, soybean oil for frying. For stewed peas: 400 g peas, olive oil, one onion, salt. For tomato sauce: 500 ml homemade tomato sauce, olive oil, one small onion, one clove of crushed garlic, one basil or oregano leaf, salt, a piece of hot pepper.

 Tags:  meatballs in sauce