The Art of Comfort Cooking
Every great recipe tells a story of tradition, love, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal. These meatballs represent the perfect harmony of tender meat, aromatic herbs, and a vibrant tomato sauce that brings comfort to any dinner table.
Ingredients
US and European Measurements
Meatballs:
- 1.1 lb (500 g) ground meat (beef or mixed beef/pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce:
- 3 ripe tomatoes, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sour plum paste (or substitute with balsamic vinegar)
- Sunflower oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture
- In large mixing bowl, combine ground meat
- Add finely chopped onion
- Incorporate minced garlic
- Mix in chopped parsley
- Season with salt and pepper
- Mix thoroughly but gently
- Form Meatballs
- Shape mixture into uniform-sized balls
- Approximately 1.5-2 inches in diameter
- Set aside on plate
- Tomato Sauce Preparation
- Grate fresh tomatoes
- Heat sunflower oil in large skillet
- Add tomato paste
- Incorporate sour plum paste
- Mix thoroughly
- Cooking Meatballs
- Carefully place meatballs in sauce
- Cook on medium-low heat
- Turn gently to ensure even cooking
- Simmer until meatballs are cooked through
- Approximately 15-20 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 45-50 minutes Servings: 4-6
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overwork meat mixture
- Wet hands when forming meatballs
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor
- Keep heat moderate to prevent burning
- Let meatballs rest briefly before serving
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Use ground turkey for lighter option
- Add breadcrumbs for extra texture
- Experiment with different herb combinations
- Try different meat blends
- Make vegetarian version with plant-based meat
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I bake instead of simmer? Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Q2: How to store leftovers? Refrigerate up to 3 days, reheat gently.
Q3: Gluten-free options? Naturally gluten-free, verify ingredient sources.
Q4: Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, freeze in sauce for up to 3 months.
Q5: What to serve alongside? Rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Freeze for longer storage
- Reheat gently to maintain moisture
- Prepare sauce ahead of time
A delicious journey of flavor awaits you!