Spinach and tuna meatballs with Romanian egg

Spinach Dish with Tuna Meatballs and Romanian Egg: A Hearty Delicacy

When we think of comfort food, dishes that remind us of childhood and warm family meals hold a special place in our hearts. This recipe is no exception, combining the delicate flavors of spinach with tuna meatballs, all topped with a perfectly boiled Romanian egg. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will remind you of the lovingly cooked meals by your mother.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients:
For the spinach dish:
- 600 g frozen spinach (about 2 bags)
- 1.5 cups of milk (plus 3 tablespoons)
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil (olive or vegetable)

For the tuna meatballs:
- 2 cans of tuna in olive oil (we recommend Rio Mare for quality)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- A pinch of chopped dill
- A pinch of chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of flour (for coating the meatballs)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for greasing the tray)

The story behind the recipe:
Spinach dish is a classic recipe that has been prepared for generations. Spinach, known for its nutritional properties, is an excellent source of iron and vitamins, often recommended in healthy diets. The tuna meatballs add a note of protein and flavor, making this dish an ideal option for lunch or dinner. So, get ready to impress your family with this delicious combination!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the spinach
1. Start by peeling and finely chopping the garlic. This step will add an intense flavor to your dish.
2. In a larger pot, pour 3-4 tablespoons of oil and heat it gently over low heat. It is important not to overheat the oil, as the garlic can burn quickly.
3. Add the chopped garlic to the hot oil and let it sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes golden and fragrant.
4. Now, add the frozen spinach to the pot. Let it cook on low heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Adding the milk
5. While the spinach is thawing, gradually add the milk (1.5 cups) to the pot, stirring continuously. This will help achieve a creamy texture.
6. Check if the spinach is completely thawed; this process should take between 10 and 12 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the flour sauce
7. In a separate bowl, put 3 tablespoons of flour and mix them with 3 tablespoons of cold milk until you obtain a smooth paste. This will help thicken the sauce.
8. Add the remaining half cup of milk, mixing well to avoid lumps.
9. Pour the flour mixture over the spinach in the pot and let it cook on low heat, stirring constantly, for a few minutes to thicken. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Preparing the tuna meatballs
10. In a large bowl, drain the tuna from the cans and remove the excess oil. Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, flour, mustard, dill, and parsley.
11. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. If it is too soft, you can add a little more flour. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. With wet hands, shape small meatballs and coat them in flour, ensuring they are evenly covered.

Step 5: Baking the meatballs
13. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place a baking sheet on a tray and grease it with 2 tablespoons of oil.
14. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to brown evenly. You will know they are ready when they become golden and crispy.

Step 6: Assembling the dish
15. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the Romanian egg. You can use the classic boiling method or the sous-vide technique to achieve a perfect texture.
16. Finally, place a generous layer of spinach on a plate, top with the tuna meatballs, and complete with the boiled Romanian egg.

Serving Suggestions:
This spinach dish with tuna meatballs is perfect to be served alongside a fresh green salad or a side of plain rice. You can also add a spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful Tips:
- If you prefer fresh spinach, you can replace the frozen spinach with 300 g of fresh spinach; just sauté it a little longer.
- You can experiment with different types of fish for the meatballs, such as salmon or sardines, to change the flavor.
- A delicious variation would be to add feta cheese to the meatball mixture for a creamier texture.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in protein due to the tuna and egg, while spinach provides a significant amount of vitamins. Each serving contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent option for a healthy and hearty dinner that will provide you with the energy you need.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes, fresh spinach is an excellent alternative. Make sure to wash it well before using it.
- How can I make the meatballs less fatty?
You can fry the meatballs in a non-stick pan with a little oil or opt for baking them in the oven, as described in the recipe.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by replacing the tuna with crushed chickpeas and the egg with a plant-based egg substitute.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This spinach dish with tuna meatballs and Romanian egg will surely become a favorite in your home. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 2 bags of spinach (about 600 grams total) 2 glasses of milk (plus 3 full tablespoons) 3 large cloves of garlic 3 tablespoons of flour salt and pepper to taste oil (3 or 4 tablespoons) Tuna meatballs: 2 cans of tuna in olive oil (Rio Mare) 1 egg 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs 1 onion 3 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon of mustard 1 tablespoon of flour a pinch of dill a pinch of parsley salt (a pinch) a cup of flour pepper to taste 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

 Tags:  spinach and tuna meatballs with romanian egg big river tuna meatballs spinach salad