BACHARS WITH TOMATO SAUCE

Welcome to Paulina Cocina once again! This time, we're bringing you a recipe perfect for cool days, a comforting dish that makes us miss you: meatballs with tomato sauce . A simple yet delicious dish, perfect for dipping bread in the sauce and closing your eyes while enjoying it. Today, we're going to tell you a little about its origins and the tradition of this dish in many countries.

As always, we're accompanying this post with a star: a simple and tasty recipe , with detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making it at home. If you want to indulge in something truly homemade, this is the dish you have to make. Go ahead!

About Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Meatballs with tomato sauce are a classic recipe that perfectly combines intense flavors and soft textures. This recipe, whose popularity transcends borders, stands out for the succulent nature of the meatballs and the irresistible tomato sauce that accompanies them.

For those unfamiliar with them, meatballs are small balls of minced (ground) meat seasoned with spices and other ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and garlic. They can be made with a variety of meats, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.

Vegetarian options can also be made using ingredients such as lentils or chickpeas . The meatballs are formed by hand and then cooked in a variety of ways, including fried, baked, or steamed.

Tomato sauce is the perfect complement to meatballs, adding acidity, sweetness, and a lot of flavor to the dish. Depending on the recipe and region, tomato sauce can have different variations and additions, such as red wine , sugar, peppers, or fresh herbs.

A little history of meatballs with tomato sauce

Meatballs in sauce have a fascinating history dating back to ancient times. Their exact origin is uncertain, but they are believed to have originated in the Middle East and spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world via trade routes. 

These delicious, seasoned beef meatballs quickly became a popular choice for a variety of culinary preparations.

The combination of meatballs and tomato sauce emerged much later and came with the conquests. The tomato , originally from America, arrived in Europe after colonization and was quickly incorporated into Spanish cuisine.

Tomato sauce, with its vibrant, tangy flavor, became the ideal companion to enhance the meatballs' flavor. Since then, this combination has gained fans around the world.

The recipe for meatballs with tomato sauce in the world

The tradition of eating meatballs with tomato sauce has taken root in diverse cultures and has been adapted to local tastes. In countries such as Italy, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States, meatballs in tomato sauce are an integral part of the cuisine and are enjoyed at all kinds of family gatherings.

• In Italy, meatballs with tomato sauce, known as "polpette al sugo ," are a beloved delicacy. This dish is often served with pasta or bread .
• In Spain , meatballs in tomato sauce are a classic dish enjoyed at family lunches or as a tapa in bars and restaurants.
• In Mexico , meatballs in tomato sauce are a very popular dish, and of course, the tomato sauce used in this dish has a spicy kick. They are served with white rice and beans .
• In Argentina: meatballs with tomato sauce are a classic on family tables, a very typical preparation of grandmothers , which is usually accompanied with white rice or potatoes .
• In the United States , meatballs with tomato sauce are served in many homes, especially in regions with a strong Italian presence, such as New York and New Jersey, where meatballs with tomato sauce are a traditional and beloved dish. They are often served alongside the typical spaghetti .

7 tips for making meatballs with tomato sauce

1. Choosing the meat: Choose a cut of beef or pork that is as lean as possible, so that they are more compact and lighter at the same time.
2. Perfect seasoning: Season the meatballs properly. You can use garlic, parsley, oregano , and cumin to enhance the flavor.
3. Ideal texture: Add breadcrumbs and egg to the meat mixture for a smooth, compact texture. The breadcrumbs will absorb excess moisture and help the meatballs stay firm while cooking. It's important to break up the meat fibers by kneading with your hands so they blend well. Gloves may be worn.
4. Perfect browning: Before cooking the meatballs, it's a good idea brown them in a pan with a little hot oil. This will give them an attractive golden color, extra flavor, and prevent them from falling apart in the tomato sauce.
5. Homemade Tomato Sauce: Making a homemade tomato sauce to accompany meatballs is always a great option. It can be made with ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and fresh herbs. A touch of red wine or beef broth is also great to intensify the flavor.
6. Proper cooking: Cook the meatballs in the tomato sauce over low heat so they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. Always check that they are fully cooked before serving.
7. Side Dishes: Meatballs in tomato sauce are great with boiled potatoes or white rice, but they're also a great option to pair with delicious pasta.

These meatballs with tomato sauce are a very common dish in Argentine homes. While meatballs go a long way, they can be made with different meats and different sauces; these are the most classic. A truly great recipe.

Enjoy it!

Nicola Garupa
producer

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Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Yields: 4 servings
Preparation time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 kg of minced meat (roast beef or popcorn)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 3 chopped garlic cloves
• Fresh parsley to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 chopped onion
• 1/2 chopped bell pepper
• 1 cup crushed tomato
• 1 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• Paprika, cumin and ground chili to taste

How to make meatballs with tomato sauce

1. Mix the minced meat with the eggs, breadcrumbs, 2 cloves of chopped garlic, and the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Knead gently until combined, without overmixing.
2. Form the meatballs into the desired size, ensuring they are roughly the same size. Sear them in a pan with a little vegetable oil until lightly browned. Set aside.
3. Peel and cut the potatoes into medium-sized cubes so they don't fall apart or remain raw. Set aside.
4. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté a minced garlic clove, the onion, and the bell pepper until the onion is translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes and water. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Add the potatoes to the sauce and cook for 10 minutes. Then, carefully add the meatballs. Don't stir with a spoon; just swirl the pan gently to prevent the meatballs from falling apart. Add the bay leaf.
6. Cover the pot and reduce the heat. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

If you are going to freeze the meatballs with tomato

What I love about meatballs in tomato sauce is that they can be frozen for fast food another day. You can freeze them raw (watch this video to see how I keep them from sticking together: how to freeze meatballs ). And if you can't, you can freeze the meatballs in tomato sauce directly, just like you would freeze any prepared meal.

How to keep meatballs from falling apart?

One of the biggest challenges when preparing meatballs is getting them to hold their shape during cooking. To prevent them from falling apart, there are a few key steps you can't skip:

1. Using eggs : Eggs are the natural glue that helps meatballs stay together. In this recipe, we'll use two eggs per kilo of meat, just enough to keep them dry but not fall apart.
2. Add breadcrumbs : This ingredient absorbs moisture from the meat and egg, creating a more compact texture. Just half a cup is enough for a kilo of meat.

Don't overknead : Overkneading the mixture causes the meatballs to lose air and become rock-solid. Mix the ingredients gently until well combined, but don't overdo it.

This is how meatballs in tomato sauce look like