Meatballs with white sauce

Meatballs with white sauce – a comforting recipe that blends tradition with exquisite taste

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

There are moments when we long to return to the recipes of our childhood, those that remind us of the warmth of home and family meals. Meatballs with white sauce are an excellent choice to revive those memories. This recipe is not only tasty but also versatile, allowing for adaptations based on available ingredients.

A brief history

Meatballs have a long tradition in kitchens around the world, made from minced meat mixed with various ingredients. Whether served with sauce, in soup, or baked, meatballs have become a symbol of culinary comfort. The white sauce, on the other hand, is a classic base that adds an elegant and rich touch to any meal.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 250 g minced chicken breast (or mixed meat)
- 30 g rice (washed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon flavor secret (a spice blend that enhances the aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

For the white sauce:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cube of butter
- 300 ml chicken broth (or water, if needed)
- 200 ml sweet milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable flavor secret
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step by step

1. Preparing the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the onion, washed rice, grated carrot, egg, flavor secret, paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy; this step is essential for ensuring a good texture for the meatballs.

2. Shaping the meatballs:
- With wet hands, form balls the size of a ping-pong ball. Make sure they are compact so they don’t fall apart during cooking.

3. Boiling the meatballs:
- In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the water using a spoon, making sure not to overcrowd them. Boil for 15-20 minutes. It’s important to check if they are cooked, so you can take one meatball out and cut it in half to see if it has turned white and is no longer pink.

4. Preparing the white sauce:
- In a separate pot, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, stirring frequently.
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix well to avoid lumps.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously. Then add the sweet milk and vegetable flavor secret.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, then add the sour cream, stirring again. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serving:
- On a plate, arrange the boiled meatballs and pour the white sauce over them.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch.
- These meatballs with white sauce are wonderful alongside mashed potatoes or a seasonal salad.

Useful tips
- Ingredients: Use fresh chicken for the best results. If you prefer, you can use pork or beef.
- Variations: You can add fresh herbs to the meatball mixture, such as dill or parsley. You can also substitute rice with quinoa for a healthier option.
- Sauce: If you want a spicier sauce, you can add some chopped garlic or chili flakes.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, you can freeze raw or cooked meatballs. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container.
- What can I use instead of white sauce? A delicious alternative would be a tomato sauce or a pesto sauce, which adds a different note to the dish.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This meatballs with white sauce recipe is nutritionally balanced, having around 400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Rice contributes complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy.

Conclusion
Meatballs with white sauce are more than just a meal; they are a culinary experience that blends memories and family flavors. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on this recipe! You may discover a combination of flavors that becomes your favorite. Savor every bite and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for meatballs: 250 g mixed meat, 30 g rice, 1 small onion, 1 small grated carrot, 1 egg, 1/4 secret of taste, 1/4 sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 dried basil. Ingredients for sauce: 1 onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 cube of butter, 300 ml chicken broth, 200 ml sweet milk, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 2 tablespoons flour, fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon vegetable taste secret, salt and pepper to taste.

 Tags:  basil parsley peach ground meat