MEATBALLS WITH VEGETABLES

Meatballs with Vegetables Recipe

Story

Meatballs with Vegetables is a comforting and wholesome dish that brings together the hearty flavor of meatballs with the nutritious addition of vegetables. Picture a cozy family dinner on a cool evening, where the table is filled with steaming plates of juicy meatballs nestled among colorful, tender vegetables. This dish is a perfect blend of protein and vegetables, making it not only delicious but also balanced and satisfying. Whether served with pasta, rice, or simply on their own with a side of fresh bread, these meatballs are versatile enough to please everyone at the table. The recipe is easy to adapt with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great option for using up leftovers or incorporating more veggies into your meals. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, with the meatballs soaking up the rich, savory juices from the vegetables as they cook together, creating a comforting dish that feels like home.

Key Points and Tips

1. Choosing the Meat: Use ground beef, pork, chicken, or a combination for the meatballs. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well, but adding a bit of oil or moisture (like grated onion or breadcrumbs) can help keep them juicy.
2. Binding Ingredients: To keep the meatballs from falling apart, include binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
3. Even Sizing: Form the meatballs into even sizes to ensure they cook evenly. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon can help make uniform meatballs.
4. Browning the Meatballs: Searing the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the vegetables enhances their flavor with a caramelized crust. This step also helps them hold their shape.
5. Vegetable Variety: Use a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious addition. Dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup grated onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil