Marinated meatballs with mashed potatoes

Marinated meatballs with mashed potatoes

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

This recipe for marinated meatballs with mashed potatoes is perfect for a delicious and comforting dinner. Carrot, potato, and celery not only add a savory flavor but also a boost of nutrients. I invite you to discover the simple steps to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 500 g mixed minced meat (beef + pork)
- 1 egg
- 1 potato
- 1 carrot
- 1 small celery
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- flour for coating
- oil for frying

For the sauce:
- 1 onion
- 1 cup concentrated tomato juice
- 1 cup water
- 2 cloves of garlic
- peppercorns
- bay leaves
- fresh herbs for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by peeling and chopping the carrot, potato, and celery into small cubes. Boil them in a pot of salted water for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft but not fully cooked. This step is important to maintain the texture of the vegetables. After boiling, drain them well and let them cool, then grate them. Mix the grated vegetables in a large bowl.

Step 2: Meatball mixture
Add the minced meat, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic over the grated vegetables. You can also use a blender to achieve a finer mixture. Add the finely chopped dill and mix everything well until the ingredients are combined. Form small, round or oval meatballs, then coat them in flour.

Step 3: Frying the meatballs
In a deep pan, heat the oil for frying. Add the meatballs to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil and keep them in a covered dish to stay warm.

Step 4: Preparing the sauce
In the same pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the concentrated tomato juice and water, season with salt, pepper, and add a few peppercorns and bay leaves. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. This sauce will add a rich and savory flavor to the meatballs.

Step 5: Finalizing the dish
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried meatballs to the pan. Cover them with sauce and bake at 180°C for 10 minutes to combine the flavors. Finally, add the crushed garlic and fresh herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

Step 6: Serving
Serve the marinated meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The mash can be enriched with butter and milk for a richer texture. A delicious suggestion is to add some olives or capers to the mash to enhance the flavors. These meatballs are perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends.

Possible variations:
- You can experiment with different types of minced meat, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter option.
- Add spices like paprika or cumin to the meatball mixture for an exotic flavor.
- Replace dill with parsley or basil, depending on your preferences.

This recipe for marinated meatballs with mashed potatoes is easy to prepare and extremely satisfying. With each bite, you will feel the comfort and warmth of a traditional dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Meatballs: 500 g minced meat mix (beef + pork), 1 egg, 1 potato, 1 carrot, 1 small celery, 1 bunch of dill, 2-3 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper. Sauce: 1 onion, 1 cup concentrated tomato juice, 1 cup water, 2 cloves of garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, herbs.

 Tags:  meatballs marinated meatballs minced meat meatball sauce