Meatballs in tomato sauce with cheese
4 servings
75 minutes
Meatballs in tomato sauce with cheese are a classic Italian dish that combines the tenderness of meatballs with the rich flavor of tomato sauce and the spiciness of melted cheese. Historically, meatballs originated as a way to use meat economically but have become a cult dish in various countries over time. The Italian version is characterized by a rich tomato flavor, soft texture, and aroma of fresh herbs. Meatballs are made with soaked bread for airiness, simmered in tomato sauce, and topped with melting cheese before serving to create an appetizing crust. They are perfect as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to pasta or potatoes. This cozy, hearty, and incredibly delicious food warms the soul.
1
Crumble the bread, pour milk over it, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Stale white bread: 200 g
- Milk: 100 ml
2
Chop garlic and cilantro finely.
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chopped cilantro (coriander leaf): 1 tablespoon
3
Mix the minced meat, garlic, eggs, and cilantro. Squeeze the bread from the milk, add it to the minced meat and knead well.
- Mixed mince (beef and pork): 600 g
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chicken egg: 2 pieces
- Chopped cilantro (coriander leaf): 1 tablespoon
- Stale white bread: 200 g
4
Constantly wetting hands in water, shape meatballs the size of a walnut from minced meat.
5
Clean and finely chop the onion. In a wide pot with a thick bottom, heat the oil, add the onion, and sauté over medium heat until soft. Then pour in the tomato puree and half a glass of water.
- Onion: 1 head
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Tomato puree: 1 l
6
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the meatballs, reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, ensuring they don't burn or stick to the bottom.
- Mixed mince (beef and pork): 600 g
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste