Chopped meatballs in tomato sauce

5 servings

40 minutes

Chopped meatballs in tomato sauce embody home comfort and European culinary traditions. Their origin can be linked to Italian meatballs and French ragout but with a unique local twist. Tender pieces of pork mixed with egg and breadcrumbs acquire a delicious crust when fried and then simmer in a rich tomato sauce with onions and spicy notes. The sauce seeps into each meatball, giving the dish softness and depth of flavor – with a slight tang from the tomatoes and a delicate meaty aroma. It's an ideal option for a family dinner, especially paired with mashed potatoes or pasta. Simple to prepare, it can delight even the most discerning gourmets.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 270.7
• Proteins: 25.4g
• Fats: 10.2g
• Carbohydrates: 20.3g

Ingredients

• Pork: 500 g
• Onion: 1 pc
• Chicken egg: 2 pc
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
• Breadcrumbs: 100 g
• Canned tomatoes: 6 pc

Cooking steps

1. Cut the pork into small cubes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pork: 500 g

2. Add eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper (to taste) to the meat, then mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces
   • Breadcrumbs: 100 g

3. Shape the meatballs and fry them in a pan until golden brown, but not fully cooked; the meatballs may remain raw inside.

4. In a separate deep pan, sauté finely chopped onion until fragrant, add peeled canned tomatoes and crush them with a fork, mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Canned tomatoes: 6 pieces

5. Add tomato paste to the tomatoes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon

6. Place the meatballs in a pan with tomatoes, and if the meatballs are not covered by sauce at least halfway, add some marinade from the tomato can.

7. Simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes.