Meatball sauce with short noodles

Meatball sauce with short noodles – a comforting, hearty, and flavorful recipe!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-5

The history of meatball sauce with short noodles is rich in culinary traditions. This recipe has been passed down through generations, being a family favorite, perfect for Sunday meals. Combining simple yet nutritious ingredients, this dish is ideal for chilly days, providing warmth and comfort.

Necessary ingredients:
- 400-500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 2 teaspoons of semolina
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- A few sprigs of fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 handful of green onion leaves, chopped
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 2 teaspoons of paprika (sweet or spicy, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Water (approximately 1 cup)

For thickening the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of white flour
- 1 cup of broth (tomato)

For garnish:
- ½ pack of short noodles (cooked according to package instructions)

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Preparing the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, egg, salt, pepper, parsley, and dill (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Then add the flour and semolina. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes homogenous and slightly sticky. It is important that all ingredients are well integrated to achieve juicy meatballs.

2. Forming the meatballs: With slightly damp hands, shape medium-sized meatballs. They will expand a little during boiling, so don’t make them too large. Place them on a plate and set aside.

3. Preparing the sauce: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil starts to sizzle, add the chopped green onions. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Add the paprika and quickly stir to prevent burning.

4. Adding water: Immediately after adding the paprika, pour a cup of water into the pot. Bring to a boil.

5. Boiling the meatballs: When the water starts to boil, carefully add the formed meatballs and the bay leaf. Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 25 minutes. Check occasionally, stirring gently to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

6. Thickening the sauce: After the meatballs are cooked, prepare a thickening mixture. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of flour with a little broth to form a smooth paste, similar to sour cream. Add this paste to the pot with meatballs, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

7. Preparing the noodles: In a separate pot, boil the short noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

8. Serving: On a plate, place a generous portion of short noodles and add the meatballs with sauce on top. You can sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley for a nicer appearance and added flavor.

Serving suggestion: This meatball sauce with short noodles pairs wonderfully with a fresh summer salad or pickles, bringing a delicious contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits: This dish is rich in protein due to the minced meat and contains fiber from the added greens. Semolina and flour contribute to the carbohydrate intake, providing the energy needed for an active day.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork or beef?
Yes, you can use minced chicken for a leaner version of the recipe.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a little hot paprika or some chili flakes during the sauce preparation.
3. What other sides could I use?
Besides short noodles, this recipe also goes well with mashed potatoes or boiled rice.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different herbs and spices, adding minced garlic for extra flavor or even spices like cumin or coriander. You can also replace the noodles with rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

In conclusion, meatball sauce with short noodles is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a family meal. I encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy every bite, and share this culinary experience with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 0.400-0.500 g minced meat, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon flour, 2 teaspoons semolina, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, a few sprigs of fresh dill, 1 handful of green onion leaves, 50 ml oil, 2 teaspoons paprika, salt, pepper, 1 bay leaf, water. For the sauce: 1 tablespoon white flour, 1 cup of broth. For the side dish: 1/2 bag of short noodles. Serves 4-5.