Meatballs in pea sauce

Delicious meatballs in pea sauce: a simple and savory recipe

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

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort to every meal. The meatballs in pea sauce are a perfect combination of flavors and textures that transform an ordinary meal into a memorable experience. These meatballs are very versatile, and the pea sauce gives them a fresh and healthy note. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (combine beef and pork for a juicy texture)
- 2 slices of bread (preferably whole grain for a richer taste)
- 2 cloves of garlic (crushed for extra flavor)
- 1 egg (to bind the ingredients)
- 1 tablespoon of dried parsley (or fresh, if you have it on hand)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (look for an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)

For the pea sauce:
- 1 large can of peas (800 g) (you can also use fresh peas, but they will require a longer cooking time)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil or sunflower oil)
- 2 cups of water
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons of flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 150 g tomato paste (adds natural sweetness to the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step: Cooking the Meatballs

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the bread is soaked in water and then squeezed well, to avoid adding excess moisture to the meat mixture.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, egg, crushed garlic, soaked bread, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form meatballs the size of a golf ball. This step is essential, as wet meatballs are easier to shape and fry evenly.

4. Frying the meatballs: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Bring it to an optimal temperature so that the meatballs brown nicely. Fry the meatballs on both sides until golden and crispy, then remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step by Step: Preparing the Pea Sauce

1. Heating the oil: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil and let it heat over medium heat.

2. Preparing the roux: Add the flour and mix quickly to avoid lumps. This technique, known as roux, is essential for achieving a creamy sauce.

3. Adding the ingredients: As soon as the flour turns lightly golden, add the tomato paste. Mix well, then add the 2 cups of water. Continue to stir to avoid lumps.

4. Including the peas: Once the sauce reaches a homogeneous consistency, add the peas. Let everything simmer on low heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the peas are heated through.

5. Finalizing the sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, then carefully incorporate the fried meatballs into the pea sauce. Gently stir so that the meatballs do not break apart.

Serving

Serve the meatballs in pea sauce immediately, alongside a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. If you want to add a special touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before bringing them to the table. These meatballs are not only delicious but also very nutritious, due to their high protein and fiber content.

Practical Tips

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the minced meat with a combination of lentils and mushrooms, and to achieve a similar texture, add some ground nuts as well.
- The sauce: If you like a spicier sauce, add some chili flakes or a splash of Tabasco sauce.
- Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit of cornstarch diluted in water, mixing well.

Nutritional Information

This recipe for meatballs in pea sauce provides a balanced meal, rich in protein from the meat, vitamins and minerals from the peas, and carbohydrates from the bread. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, but this number may vary depending on the amount of oil used for frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken for the meatballs? Absolutely! Chicken is an excellent alternative. Make sure not to overcook it to avoid drying out.
2. How can I store the meatballs? You can store the uneaten meatballs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.
3. What other side dishes pair well? Besides mashed potatoes, you can serve the meatballs with rice or pasta.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new and enjoy pleasant moments in the kitchen! The meatballs in pea sauce are a perfect choice for a family dinner or to impress friends. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Meatballs: 500 g minced meat (beef + pork) 2 slices of bread 2 cloves of garlic 1 egg dried parsley salt pepper oil for frying Pea sauce: 1 large can of peas (800 g) 2 tablespoons of oil 2 cups of water 2 tablespoons and 1/2 flour 150 g tomato paste water salt pepper

 Tags:  beef meatballs pea sauce