Marinated meatballs

Delicious soy and vegetable meatballs - a recipe that combines flavors and texture in a captivating way! These meatballs are not only tasty but also healthy, making them an excellent choice for family meals or a savory snack. So, let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients for meatballs:
- 2 carrots
- 2 parsnips (or celery)
- 2 potatoes
- 100 g soy granules
- 1 large onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thyme, to preference
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- Paprika for dusting
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- A bunch of parsley and a bunch of dill

Ingredients for the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of diluted tomato paste in 100 ml water
- Basil, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Half of the bunch of parsley and dill
- Oil, to preference

A brief history of meatballs:
Meatballs have a long history in world cuisine, being made from various ingredients since ancient times, from meat to vegetables. This particular recipe, with soy, is a modern and healthy version, perfect for those looking to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the soy: Start by soaking the soy granules in warm water for 20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a soft and pleasant texture. After soaking, squeeze the soy well to remove excess water.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the carrots, parsnip (or celery), and potatoes. Wash them well and grate them coarsely. It is important to squeeze the potatoes and onion to remove excess moisture, so the meatballs are not too wet.

3. Mixing: In a large bowl, combine the grated vegetables with the squeezed soy, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, 2 tablespoons of flour, and half of the bunches of dill and parsley. Add the 4 tablespoons of oil to bind the ingredients. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Forming the meatballs: Use your palms to form balls the size of a walnut. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Dust a little paprika on top of each meatball for added color and flavor.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray with meatballs inside. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy on the outside.

Preparing the sauce:

1. The sauce: In a pot, add oil, diluted tomato paste, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and basil. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Adding the meatballs: After 5 minutes, add the baked meatballs to the pot and let them simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

3. Finishing: Sprinkle the finely chopped greens on top and let the sauce rest with the meatballs for 5-10 minutes, so the flavors penetrate well.

Serving:
These delicious meatballs can be enjoyed both hot and cold, alongside a fresh salad or with toasted bread. You can also use them as an appetizer on various occasions. A personal suggestion: serve them with a garlic yogurt sauce or tahini sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

Variations and useful tips:
- If you want a spicier version, add a bit of chili or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- You can experiment with other grated vegetables, such as zucchini or bell pepper, to add different flavors.
- These meatballs can be easily frozen. Prepare a larger batch and store them in freezer bags, ready for a quick meal on busy days.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use textured soy? Yes, you can use textured soy, but you will need to rehydrate it according to the instructions on the package.
2. How can I make the meatballs less greasy? You can bake the meatballs without oil, adapting the recipe to a healthier version.
3. Can the meatballs be cooked in a pan? Yes, you can fry them in hot oil, but be careful not to burn them.

Nutritional information:
These meatballs are rich in protein due to the soy and vegetables, providing a balanced and healthy meal. They contain essential fibers, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy diet, making them an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians.

Enjoy these aromatic and healthy meatballs and savor every bite! Cooking is an art, and each recipe has its story. I look forward to hearing about your creations!

 Ingredients: Meatballs: 2 carrots, 2 parsnips, 2 potatoes, 100g soy granules, 1 large onion, salt, pepper, thyme, 3-4 cloves of garlic, 4 tablespoons of oil, paprika, 2 tablespoons of flour, parsley and dill. Sauce: 2 tablespoons of diluted tomato paste in 100ml of water, basil, 1 bay leaf, pepper and salt, halves of dill and parsley stems, oil.

 Tags:  marinated meatballs