Meatballs in tomato sauce

Meatballs in tomato sauce - a classic recipe, full of flavor and memories! This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Preparing these meatballs is an art, and the final result will be a delicious meal, perfect for any occasion. So, let's get started!

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

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (preferably a mix of pork and beef for a rich taste)
- 1 slice of bread (ideally use an older bread that absorbs liquid better)
- 4 cloves of garlic (fresh, for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- oregano (about 1 teaspoon, but adjust to your preferences)

For the sauce:
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 200 g tomato sauce (you can use canned tomato sauce or homemade)
- 100 ml milk (to cut the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 150 ml meat broth (ideally from a previous roast, but you can also use chicken or beef broth)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the sauce)
- oil for frying (as needed)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the meatballs

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by soaking the slices of bread in water. Leave them there for a few minutes, then squeeze them well to remove excess water. This step will help achieve a finer and fluffier mixture.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, squeezed bread, egg, salt, pepper, sour cream, crushed garlic (or made into a paste), and oregano. Mix everything very well with your hands or a wooden spoon until you obtain a uniform mixture.

3. Forming the meatballs: Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a portion of the mix and form balls or meatballs of the desired size. Ideally, the meatballs should be the size of a golf ball, but you can adjust the size to your liking.

4. Frying the meatballs: In a deep skillet, heat the oil. Add an unpeeled clove of garlic in the center to flavor the oil. Fry the meatballs over medium heat, allowing them to brown evenly on both sides. This will take about 4-5 minutes on each side. When browned, remove them to a plate covered with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 2: Preparing the sauce

1. Sautéing the onion: Use the remaining oil from the skillet (about 2-3 tablespoons) to sauté the finely chopped onion. Leave it over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Thickening the sauce: Add the tablespoon of flour and mix well to avoid lumps. Let it fry for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

3. Adding the liquid ingredients: Pour in the meat broth (or soup) and mix well. Then add the tomato sauce, milk, salt, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combining the meatballs with the sauce: Add the fried meatballs to the tomato sauce. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes, so they absorb some of the sauce's flavors.

Serving

The meatballs in tomato sauce can be served plain, but for an unforgettable culinary experience, I recommend pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta. A fresh green salad or coleslaw could also be an excellent choice.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter option. If you want a more intense flavor, add some fresh herbs or spices like cumin or paprika to the meat mixture.

- Storage: The meatballs keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the sauce can be frozen for later use.

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of meatballs with sauce has about 350-450 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides a good source of protein, and the tomato sauce offers beneficial antioxidants for health, such as lycopene.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought minced meat?
Yes, but make sure to choose quality meat. The mix of pork and beef is ideal for a richer taste.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

3. Are there alternatives to flour for thickening the sauce?
Yes, you can use cornstarch or rice flour for a gluten-free option.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Meatballs in tomato sauce are a perfect choice for family meals or parties with friends. I wish you good cooking and bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g minced meat, 1 slice of bread, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, salt, pepper, 1 egg, oregano, 1 onion, 200 g tomato sauce, 100 ml milk, 150 ml meat broth, 1 tablespoon of flour, oil for frying