Marinated meatballs like mom used to make

Marinated meatballs like mom's - a recipe that takes us back in time, evoking warm memories and unforgettable moments spent with loved ones. This comforting dish has a rich history and is undoubtedly a symbol of maternal love, prepared with care in many households. Get ready to delight your family with these wonderful meatballs, which can be served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Here’s how to prepare them!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix, as preferred)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large tomato
- 1 medium onion
- 100 g breadcrumbs (fine breadcrumbs)

For the sauce:
- 500 ml tomato puree
- 1 small onion
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A few sprigs of thyme

For the mashed potatoes:
- 6-8 medium potatoes
- 100 ml milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
- 50 g butter
- Grated cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the sauce

1. Start by finely chopping the onion for the sauce. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until it becomes translucent, being careful not to brown it, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the onion has softened, add the tomato puree, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Finally, remove the bay leaf and thyme. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or strain it. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with a little hot water if necessary, then add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Preparing the meatballs

1. If you have whole meat, pass it through a meat grinder. If you have pre-ground meat, you can skip this step.
2. In a blender, combine the chopped onion, tomato, and crushed garlic. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste.
3. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, vegetable paste, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
4. With wet hands, form meatballs the size of a ping pong ball and roll them in flour.

Step 3: Browning the meatballs

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in an oven-safe pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides, just until golden, about 3-4 minutes on each side. They do not need to be fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
2. Once browned, remove the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Wipe the pot of any grease, but keep the delicious drippings.

Step 4: Baking the meatballs

1. Return the browned meatballs to the pot and pour the tomato sauce over them. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes.
2. After this time, uncover the pot and let them bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the meatballs are slightly browned on top.

Step 5: Preparing the mashed potatoes

1. Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until they become soft.
2. Once boiled, drain them well and mash them with a potato masher. Gradually add the butter and milk, mixing well to achieve a creamy consistency. If desired, you can add grated cheese for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

Serve the marinated meatballs alongside soft and creamy mashed potatoes. You can add a fresh summer salad to complete the meal. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, and leftovers can be enjoyed the next day, reheated, while retaining their delicious flavor.

Helpful tips

- For a more intense flavor, you can add some finely chopped green or black olives to the sauce.
- If you want to diversify, you can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey or chicken.
- Instead of mashed potatoes, you can serve the meatballs with rice or pasta for a varied meal.
- This recipe is also worth trying in a vegetarian version, using tofu or finely chopped vegetables as the base for the meatballs.

Nutritional information

Marinated meatballs are rich in protein due to the meat, while mashed potatoes provide essential carbohydrates for energy. Parsley and tomatoes add vitamins and antioxidants. One serving (2 meatballs with mashed potatoes) contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen meat?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before using.

2. How can I make the meatballs less greasy?
You can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, heat them in the oven.

Personal note

This marinated meatball recipe has been passed down in my family from generation to generation, with each member adding their own personal touch. It is a dish that not only combines culinary tradition but also the love we put into cooking for our loved ones. I encourage you to share this recipe with your family and create precious memories around the table! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Meatballs: 500g minced meat, 4 garlic cloves, 1 egg, salt, pepper, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 1 tomato, 1 onion, 100g breadcrumbs (toasted bread made in a blender). Sauce: 500ml tomato puree, 1 small onion, 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon of sugar, salt, pepper, a few sprigs of thyme. Mashed potatoes: 6-8 potatoes, salt, pepper, grated cheese, 100ml milk.