Meatballs in marinade sauce
Marinated Meatballs – a recipe full of nostalgia and flavor
I invite you to discover a recipe that will surely remind you of family meals and the warm moments spent with loved ones. Marinated meatballs are a classic dish, but every cook has her secret, and today I share with you the recipe I learned from my mother-in-law. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for a family lunch or dinner.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients for meatballs:
- 500 g mixed minced meat (beef and pork)
- 1 medium potato
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 slice of bread (soaked in water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1-2 eggs (depending on preference)
- 100 ml oil for frying
Ingredients for the marinated sauce:
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (dissolved in cold water)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparing the meatballs:
1. Start by preparing the meat. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the grated potato, crushed garlic, soaked and squeezed bread, salt, pepper, dried tarragon, and chopped parsley. If desired, you can add eggs to better bind the mixture.
2. Mix all the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous composition. I recommend using your hands, but remember to moisten them slightly to prevent sticking.
3. Form meatballs of the desired size, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
4. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them on each side until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the meatballs onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Preparing the marinated sauce:
1. In the same skillet where you fried the meatballs, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
2. Add the cornstarch and quickly stir to avoid lumps.
3. Deglaze with the vinegar and the dissolved tomato paste. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
4. Continue adding water gradually until the sauce becomes creamy, stirring constantly.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then add the sliced garlic and tarragon.
6. Add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serving:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve with fresh sour cream, toasted bread, or mashed potatoes. The marinated meatballs are excellent the next day when the flavors have had time to develop even further.
Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of minced meat (chicken, turkey) or add grated vegetables (carrot, zucchini) to the meatball mixture to make them healthier.
- Replace tarragon with other herbs like oregano or dill to adapt the recipe to your taste.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a bit of chili pepper or chili sauce.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the minced meat, while the potato adds fiber and vitamins. Garlic is known for its benefits to the immune system, and parsley is an excellent source of antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the bread with a gluten-free option? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
- How can I make the sauce spicier? Add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce at the end.
- Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, the meatballs can be frozen before or after frying, and the sauce can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Interesting variations:
You can transform this recipe into a Mediterranean dish by adding green or black olives and feta cheese to the meatball mixture. Also, for a lighter meal, you can serve the meatballs with a seasonal salad, accompanied by a yogurt dressing with garlic.
Marinated meatballs are more than just a simple dish; they are a way to bring the family together, to share stories and memories. So, don't hesitate to try this recipe and personalize it to your taste. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Ingredients: 500 g minced meat mix (beef and pork), 1 potato, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 slice of bread soaked in water, salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon tarragon, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 1-2 eggs (to preference), 100 ml oil for frying. Ingredients for sauce: 1 large onion, 2 cloves of garlic, peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste dissolved in cold water, 2 tablespoons of food starch, 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of tarragon, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, chopped fresh parsley.
