Meatballs in sauce
Are you dreaming of a delicious and comforting meal? How about some meatballs in sauce to delight your taste buds? This dish is an excellent option for lunch or dinner and can be prepared quickly, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Let's discover together how to make the tastiest meatballs in red sauce!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 400 g)
- 100 g cream cheese (you can also use cottage cheese if you prefer)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 1 bunch of parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or dried, as preferred)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 400 ml tomatoes in their juice (you can use canned or fresh tomatoes in season)
Brief history:
Meatballs are a popular dish in many cultures, favored for their versatility. Whether served in soups, sauces, or alongside pasta, they have a long history and are often associated with family meals. Each recipe has its own twist, and today I will show you how to bring them to your plate in a hearty and delicious version.
Preparing the meatballs:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping the chicken breast. You can use a meat grinder or a food processor to achieve a fine texture. Make sure the chicken breast is well cleaned of skin and bones.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with cream cheese, beaten egg, semolina, parsley, and rosemary. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you have a homogeneous mixture. It is essential to mix well so that the meatballs do not fall apart during cooking.
3. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This step helps to firm up the mixture, making the formation of the meatballs much easier.
4. Form the meatballs: After chilling the mixture, wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a portion of the mixture and form meatballs the size of a golf ball. Make sure they are uniform to cook evenly.
Preparing the sauce:
5. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat it over medium heat.
6. Prepare the sauce: Add the tomato paste and tomatoes in their juice to the pan. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes for the flavors to combine. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of chili or hot pepper.
7. Add the meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the sauce in the pan. Cover the pan and let them simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Check occasionally, being careful not to overcrowd them, so they cook evenly. If necessary, adjust with salt and pepper.
Serving:
The meatballs in sauce are delicious when served hot, alongside a side of rice or mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad can perfectly complement this dish, providing a contrast of textures and flavors.
Helpful tips:
- Ingredients: If you want to add more flavor, you can try adding herbs like thyme or basil to the meatball mixture. You can also use turkey meat for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chopped mushrooms or tofu. Make sure to add a little more semolina to help bind the mixture.
- Frequently asked questions: If the meatballs don't hold together well, make sure you've mixed the ingredients sufficiently and let them chill. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Ideal pairings: This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade, and for dessert, an apple pie or vanilla ice cream could round off a perfect meal.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of meatballs in sauce contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They provide quality protein from the chicken breast, as well as healthy fats from the cream cheese. The parsley adds a dose of vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced and nutritious meal.
Try this meatball in sauce recipe and bring a touch of joy to your plate! With every bite, you'll feel the warmth and love from the carefully prepared food. I invite you to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 100 g cream cheese, salt, pepper, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon semolina, parsley, rosemary, oil, 1 tablespoon broth, 400 ml tomatoes in their own juice.
Tags: soup meatball recipes sauce meatballs meatball recipe red sauce recipe