Polpette al sugo, or meatballs in tomato sauce, is a classic Italian dish loved for its hearty flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 500g ground beef (you can also use a combination of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.
- Cook the meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine meatballs and sauce:
- Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet, along with any juices they released.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs to coat them.
- Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
- Serve:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, with pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious polpette al sugo!
