Meatballs in tomato sauce (for Andutu)

Delicious Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Today, we have a recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face: juicy chicken meatballs served in a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for days when you want to serve something special yet simple to prepare. Additionally, it's a great way to add protein and vegetables to your loved ones' diet.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 400 g chicken breast
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 green onion
- 1 sprig of dill
- 1 sprig of parsley
- A pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon of rice (optional)
- 1 slice of bread (about 50 g) soaked in milk
- 500 ml tomato sauce (can be canned or homemade)

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Then, you can cut it into small cubes or, for a finer result, pass it through a meat grinder. This step will ensure a uniform texture for the meatballs.

Peel the carrot and grate it finely. This ingredient not only adds sweetness but also a splash of color to the meatballs. Chop the green onion finely, and mince the dill and parsley very finely. These fresh herbs will provide a fragrant taste and a hint of freshness.

2. Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken breast, grated carrot, onion, dill, and parsley. Mix the ingredients well, then add the egg yolk. The egg will act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.

The next step is to soak the slice of bread in milk. After a few minutes, squeeze the bread to remove excess milk and add it to the bowl. This trick will make the meatballs fluffier and tastier. Don't forget to add the rice and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

3. Shaping the Meatballs

Once you have mixed all the ingredients well, wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Shape the meatballs to your desired size, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.

4. Cooking the Meatballs

Put a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat and carefully add the formed meatballs. This boiling process will cook them gently and keep them juicy.

Let the meatballs simmer for 15-20 minutes. You will notice they rise to the surface when they are ready.

5. The Tomato Sauce

In the meantime, you can prepare the tomato sauce. If you are using canned sauce, you can heat it in a pot over low heat, adding spices to taste (basil, oregano, or chili). If you choose to make the sauce from scratch, you can sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, salt, and spices.

6. Serving

Once the meatballs are ready, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain a bit. Arrange them on a platter and pour the tomato sauce over them. These meatballs can be served plain, with the tomato sauce on the side, or with sides like mashed potatoes or pasta.

A personal touch I love is to add a few fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor and a prettier presentation.

Practical Tips

1. Meat Varieties: You can use turkey or even beef to diversify the recipe.
2. Oven-Baked Meatballs: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes.
3. Homemade Tomato Sauce: Making the tomato sauce at home will give you a much better and fresher taste.
4. Add Spices: You can experiment with spices like paprika or cumin to give the meatballs a unique flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These meatballs are an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast, and the carrot and greens add essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, the meatballs freeze very well. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in freezer bags.

2. What sides go best with them?
These meatballs go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a fresh salad.

3. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can add grated zucchini or bell peppers for a different texture and flavor.

These meatballs in tomato sauce are not only delicious but also an excellent choice for a comforting meal. I hope Andutu enjoys these treats and regains his appetite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: a piece of chicken breast an egg yolk a carrot a green onion a sprig of dill a sprig of parsley a pinch of salt a teaspoon of rice (it hasn't completely escaped from it :D) a slice of bread soaked in milk tomato sauce

 Tags:  meatballs tomato sauce