Spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce
Spaghetti with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce: A Delight for the Evening
Who doesn't love a delicious serving of spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce? This classic recipe, which combines the rich flavors of meatballs with fresh tomato sauce, is perfect for a memorable dinner. Besides being easy to prepare, it’s also a great way to gather the family around the table. Whether it’s an ordinary evening or a special occasion, these spaghetti and meatballs are always a winning choice.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 200 g minced meat (a mix of beef and pork)
- 200 g spaghetti
- 250 g tomato sauce
- 150 g whole canned tomatoes
- 100 ml chicken stock (from concentrated cubes)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- 3 medium-sized onions
- A small bunch of fresh parsley
- 1.5 tablespoons of dried oregano
- 1.5 tablespoons of dried basil
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preliminary preparations:
Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. It’s essential to have a pleasant atmosphere in the kitchen, so put on your favorite music or listen to an interesting podcast. This will make your cooking experience even more enjoyable!
Step 1: Preparing the tomato sauce
1. Start by chopping the onion into small cubes. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. The salt will help the onion soften faster.
3. Once the onion becomes translucent, slice the garlic cloves thinly and add them to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn them.
4. Add the whole tomatoes and tomato sauce, mixing well.
5. Sprinkle in the oregano and basil, then pour in the previously prepared chicken stock. This is made by dissolving a cube of concentrate in 100 ml of hot water.
6. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the volume reduces by about a third. This process will concentrate the flavors and improve the sauce's texture.
Step 2: Preparing the meatballs
1. In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the egg, chopped parsley, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Use your hands to form small balls from the meat mixture. Make sure they are of uniform size for even cooking.
3. Heat a pan with 3 tablespoons of oil and fry the meatballs over medium heat. Make sure to turn them on all sides for even browning. Once they are done, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Combining all ingredients
1. Once the sauce has thickened and is well-flavored, add the meatballs to the pan. Cover them with sauce and let them simmer on low heat for 1 minute to absorb the sauce's flavor.
2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Add the spaghetti and follow the instructions on the package for perfect cooking.
Step 4: Serving
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to plates. Add the sauce with meatballs on top and sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant look.
Serving suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Additionally, a slice of crusty bread will complement the meal perfectly, helping you savor every drop of the delicious sauce.
Tips and variations:
- You can add a tablespoon of chopped bell pepper to enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Experiment with spices! Add a pinch of chili if you like a spicier sauce.
- If you are vegetarian, replace the meat with a mix of finely chopped vegetables and quinoa to make delicious veggie balls.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in protein from the meat and egg, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and parsley adds a boost of vitamin C.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for higher fiber content.
2. How can I store the meatballs?
You can keep the meatballs in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them to enjoy later.
3. Can the meatballs be baked?
Absolutely! Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes.
I wish you happy cooking and enjoy your meal! This spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce will surely become your favorite!
Ingredients: 200 g minced beef and pork, 200 g spaghetti, 250 g tomato sauce, 150 whole canned tomatoes, 100 ml chicken broth, garlic, 1 egg, 3 onions, parsley, oregano, basil
