Meatballs in aromatic tomato sauce
Meatballs in aromatic tomato sauce
When you think of traditional meatballs, pleasant memories, miles of aromas, and moments of joy around the table surely come to mind. Today, I invite you to discover a special version of these delicious 'polpetine' - meatballs cooked directly in tomato sauce, a recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience. No frying, with a rich and aromatic sauce, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients for meatballs:
- 350 g minced pork
- 1 medium potato (about 150 g)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper, chopped parsley
- Breadcrumbs (enough to bind the mixture)
Ingredients for sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, pepper, thyme
- Chopped basil
- A pinch of sugar
- Chopped dill (for serving)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the meatball mixture: Start by peeling the potato and grating or mashing it. This ingredient will add moisture and a pleasant texture to your meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the minced pork with the grated potato, crushed garlic, egg, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add the breadcrumbs, mixing until the mixture becomes homogeneous and easy to shape.
2. Shaping the meatballs: From the obtained mixture, form medium-sized meatballs. Don’t make them too large, as they need to cook evenly in the sauce. Place them on a plate and get ready for the sauce.
3. Preparing the sauce: In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute, until it becomes lightly golden. This step will give your sauce a creamy base.
4. Adding the sauce ingredients: Deglaze the flour with the tomato paste and mix well, then add enough water to achieve a creamy consistency. Add the bay leaf, thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (which will balance the acidity of the tomatoes). Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cooking the meatballs: Carefully add the meatballs to the hot sauce, making sure they are completely covered. Cover the skillet and let them simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes. It’s important to stir gently so they don’t break apart but remain intact and juicy.
6. Finalizing the dish: With 5 minutes before turning off the heat, add the chopped dill for an extra flavor. This ingredient will provide a fresh and vibrant taste to your dish.
Serving:
Serve the meatballs in their aromatic sauce alongside boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or a generous portion of pasta. A fresh green salad can perfectly complement the meal, bringing a touch of freshness.
Practical tips:
- Make sure the minced meat is of good quality for a richer taste.
- You can experiment with herbs, adding oregano or parsley to the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a little chili pepper or chili flakes.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes, it’s an excellent option for a lighter version.
2. Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, they can be frozen, but I recommend freezing them before cooking.
3. What other side dishes can I use? Rice or cauliflower puree are delicious options.
The meatballs in aromatic tomato sauce are not only a tasty dish but also a wonderful way to gather the family around the table. I wish you to enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones!
Ingredients: For meatballs: 350g ground pork, 1 medium potato, 2-3 cloves of garlic, 1 egg, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. For sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon flour, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 bay leaf, salt, pepper, thyme, chopped basil, a pinch of sugar, chopped dill.
Tags: meatballs tomato sauce
