Meatballs-hedgehogs
4 servings
60 minutes
Meat hedgehog meatballs are a cozy dish of Russian cuisine that captivates with its simplicity and originality. Their name comes from their characteristic appearance: the rice grains sticking out of the meatballs resemble the spines of a small hedgehog. The dish combines the tenderness of ground beef with the aroma of thyme and the rich flavor of tomato sauce. The slight acidity of tomatoes complements the meat base, creating a harmony of flavors. Hedgehog meatballs are perfect for a family dinner as they are easy to prepare and delight everyone with their originality. They can be served with a side dish or simply with the tomato sauce in which they were stewed, making the dish even juicier and richer. These meatballs embody the coziness and warmth of home conveyed through taste.
1
Boil the rice until semi-cooked (like Italian pasta — al dente).
- Rice: 200 g
2
Mix the minced meat, rice, chopped onion, and add salt.
- Ground beef: 600 g
- Rice: 200 g
- Green onions: to taste
- Salt: to taste
3
Roll the mixture into balls about 4-5 cm in diameter.
4
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet and sauté the minced garlic. Add finely chopped canned tomatoes with their juice and a sprig of thyme.
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Canned tomatoes: 200 g
- Thyme: 1 piece
5
Bring to a boil and tightly arrange the meatballs in the pan. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat, and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
6
If the liquid evaporates quickly, add a little water or tomato juice. When the meatballs are ready, the rice grains will start to stick out like needles. Serve with the tomato sauce they were stewed in.