Spinach dumplings with dill sauce and meatballs
Spinach dumplings with dill sauce and meatballs - A delicious and comforting combination
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Dear cooking enthusiasts, today I am pleased to present a recipe that perfectly combines the fresh taste of spinach with the delicious flavor of meatballs, all accompanied by a creamy dill sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it will also bring a touch of joy to every meal.
Spinach dumplings are an excellent option for a quick lunch or dinner, and they are also a fantastic source of nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and antioxidants, while the meatballs add a healthy portion of protein. Let's get to work!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 650 g ground beef
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 egg
- 5 slices of bread, soaked in water and squeezed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Meatball spices, to taste
For the dumplings:
- 100-150 g frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 200 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 300 g flour
- Salt, to taste
For the dill sauce:
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 250 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 50 g butter
- Salt, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the meatballs
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the red onion, grated carrot, crushed garlic, egg, soaked and squeezed bread, salt, pepper, paprika, and meatball spices. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Helpful tip: If you want leaner meatballs, opt for ground beef with a lower fat content.
Shape the meatballs with wet hands, making sure to make them of equal size. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Step 2: Preparing the dumplings
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, mix the drained spinach, milk, eggs, flour, and salt. The dough should be slightly softer but moldable.
Frequently asked question: Why is it important to drain the spinach well? When the spinach is well-drained, it won't make the dough too wet, helping achieve fluffy dumplings.
Put a large pot of water to boil. When the water is boiling, take a spoonful of the dumpling dough and drop them into the water. The dumplings will be ready when they float to the surface, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
Remove them with a spatula or a slotted spoon, and then rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking. Let them drain.
Step 3: Preparing the dill sauce
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir vigorously to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Tip for a smoother sauce: Use a whisk to mix, as it helps break down any lumps.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped dill and crushed garlic, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until the flavors combine perfectly.
Serving
For a special presentation, place the dumplings on a platter, add the meatballs on top, and drizzle everything with the dill sauce. A side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables will perfectly complement this dish.
Possible variations
You can experiment with different types of meat for the meatballs, such as chicken or turkey. Additionally, adding feta or mozzarella cheese to the dumpling dough can provide a creamy and delicious touch.
Nutritional benefits
This recipe is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the combination of meat, spinach, and dill. It is an excellent option for a balanced meal, rich in essential nutrients.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Absolutely! Make sure to wash it well and blanch it briefly before use.
2. How can I store the meatballs for later consumption? The meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.
3. What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the meatballs and dill sauce.
I hope you will try this delicious recipe for spinach dumplings, dill sauce, and meatballs! It is a perfect choice for a family meal or a dinner with friends. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Meatballs: 650 g minced beef, 1 red onion, 1 carrot, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 egg, salt, pepper, paprika, meatball spices, 5 slices of bread. Dumplings: 100-150 g frozen spinach, 200 ml milk, 2 eggs, 300 g flour, salt. Sauce: 1 bunch of dill, 250 ml milk, 2 tablespoons of flour, 50 g butter, salt, 2 cloves of garlic.
