Marinated meatballs

Marinated meatballs in tomato sauce – a delicious recipe, full of flavors and tradition

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love meatballs? This dish is often associated with moments of conviviality and warmth around the table. The roots of meatballs run deep in the culinary tradition of many cultures, and every housewife has her own recipe, filled with memories and special ingredients. Today, I will share with you a simple and delicious recipe for marinated meatballs, which is quick to prepare, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Ingredients for meatballs and sauce:

For the sauce:
- 50 ml olive oil – an essential ingredient that provides a rich taste and a smooth texture.
- 1 small onion – used to add sweetness and flavor.
- 2-3 cloves of garlic – essential for an intense flavor; feel free to add more if you are a garlic lover.
- 1 tablespoon of flour – to thicken the sauce and give it a creamy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar – for a splash of acidity that balances the flavors.
- 1-2 bay leaves – for a subtle and deep flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme – adds a fresh and aromatic taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon of basil – a Mediterranean note that perfectly complements the sauce.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, essential to highlight the flavors.
- 200 ml tomato juice – the base of the sauce, which provides a pleasant acidity.
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste – for a depth of flavor and a slightly spicy note.
- Chopped fresh parsley – for a fresh and aromatic finish.

Preparing the meatballs:

1. Preparing the onion and garlic: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion and garlic. In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

2. Creating the sauce: Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the pepper paste and tomato juice. Gently stir to combine the ingredients. When the sauce starts to boil, add the flour, stirring quickly to avoid lumps. It is essential to add water gradually so that the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.

3. Adding the meatballs: Now is the time to add the meatballs. Make sure they are completely covered by the sauce, adding water if necessary. Also add the spices: bay leaves, thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Gently mix, cover the skillet, and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

4. Finalizing the dish: After 10 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. Gently stir and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions:

The marinated meatballs can be served with a simple side of mashed potatoes or rice, which will absorb the delicious sauce. A fresh seasonal salad will also add a crunchy note and balance the rich flavors of the dish. You might want to accompany them with crusty bread, perfect for "wiping" the sauce off the plate!

Useful tips for recipe success:

- If you want leaner meatballs, you can opt for lean chicken or turkey. They will have a delicious taste and fewer calories.
- You can experiment with various spices, adding smoked paprika or herbs de Provence for a different flavor.
- If you are preparing the meatballs for children, you can add grated vegetables to the meat mixture to make them healthier and more appealing.

Nutritional information:

This recipe provides an excellent source of protein, being rich in vitamins and minerals due to the vegetables. Olive oil brings healthy fatty acids, and tomatoes provide lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for health. A serving of marinated meatballs, with a side, has about 400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can use beef, but make sure to adjust the spices, as beef has a different flavor.

2. How can I make the meatballs less fatty?
You can replace some of the meat with vegetables or bake the meatballs instead of frying them.

3. Can I freeze the leftover meatballs?
Yes, the meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container, and the sauce will retain its flavor and consistency.

This marinated meatballs recipe is not only simple but also full of taste, bringing a touch of warmth to your home. Enjoy the moment and savor every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: PT SOS 50ml olive oil 1 small onion 2-3 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon vinegar bay leaves thyme basil salt pepper tomato juice pepper broth fresh parsley

 Tags:  meatballs