Homemade dish with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, slightly spiced tomato sauce — perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
1 slice bread, soaked in milk
1 small onion, finely grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil for frying
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
1 cup tomato puree (or strained tomatoes)
1/4 tsp salt
Pinch of sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Combine the soaked bread (squeeze out excess milk), grated onion, minced garlic, ground meat, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Wet your hands and form the mixture into small meatballs, lightly rolling them in flour. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and stir in flour briefly, then add paprika and mix well. Gradually stir in tomato puree, salt, and a pinch of sugar, cooking until slightly thickened. Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until fully coated and heated through. Serve hot.
Swap ground beef with a lamb-beef mix for richer flavor.
Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a smoother texture.
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
