Homemade Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
6 servings
90 minutes
Homemade meatballs in tomato sauce are a cozy dish of Russian cuisine, infused with traditions and the warmth of home. Their origin traces back to ancient recipes where meat was combined with grains, creating a nutritious and aromatic treat. Tender meatballs made from juicy minced meat with rice and spices are fried to a delicious crust and then baked in a rich tomato sauce that gives them a rich flavor with a slight tanginess. Sour cream softens the sauce while vegetables add juiciness. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or fresh vegetables. Meatballs can be served as an everyday meal, but their aroma and taste make them an excellent choice for family celebrations.
1
Boil the rice in salted water until half cooked.
- Rice: 200 g
2
Combine the minced meat with rice, add an egg, pepper, Svan salt and mix well.
- Ground meat: 500 g
- Rice: 200 g
- Chicken egg: 1 piece
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Svanetian salt: to taste
3
Add 1 tablespoon of flour. This will help the minced meat hold its shape.
- Wheat flour: 3 tablespoons
4
Sprinkle the remaining flour on a flat surface. Form balls from the minced meat and roll them in flour.
- Wheat flour: 3 tablespoons
5
Heat the pan well, add a little sunflower oil, and place the meatballs. Fry on both sides for 1 minute.
- Sunflower oil: 50 ml
6
Place the meatballs in a heatproof dish.
7
Grate the carrot on a coarse grater.
- Carrot: 1 piece
8
Chop the onion into small cubes.
- Onion: 1 head
9
In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot.
- Onion: 1 head
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Carrot: 1 piece
10
Add tomato paste, sour cream, and water to the vegetables. Mix thoroughly and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Sour cream: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 150 ml
- Ground black pepper: to taste
11
Pour sauce over the meatballs and place in a preheated oven at 200 degrees. Cook for 30 minutes.
12
Ready meatballs can be garnished with greens and vegetables.