Delicious Meatballs with Rice and Pepper Sauce

This delightful dish combines tender meatballs with a flavorful rice and pepper sauce. The soft, juicy texture of the ground meat, mixed with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. These meatballs are cooked to golden brown perfection before being simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that melds the flavors beautifully. Not only is this dish satisfying and hearty, but it also comes together in just about an hour, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. The subtle spiciness of the paprika and the savory notes of garlic and onion balance the sweetness from the carrots, offering a well-rounded taste sensation in every bite. The accompanying sauce is enhanced by sweet and tangy tomato, with a touch of creamy milk to round it out. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, these meatballs in rice and pepper sauce promise to impress. Serve them with fresh bread or a crisp salad to complete the meal. Below, you'll find the detailed recipe to bring this delicious dish to your table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 0.5 kg ground meat
• 1 packet of rice
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons flour

Spices and Seasonings

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Additional spices (e.g., basil) as preferred

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 0.5 liters milk
• 0.5 liters tomato sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the bell peppers and onion. Grate the carrots and mince the garlic. Heat a pan with a little oil and sauté the vegetables until they are tender. Set aside to cool.

2. Cook the Rice: While the vegetables are sautéing, cook the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy. Drain and let it cool slightly.

3. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cooked rice, ground meat, eggs, and flour. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.

4. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small, round balls. Ensure they are compact and uniform in size.

5. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they develop a light brown crust on all sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

6. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat one tablespoon of oil and add the flour, stirring until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the milk, ensuring no lumps form, followed by the tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.

7. Simmer the Meatballs: Carefully place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Allow them to cook in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with finely chopped basil before serving.

Tips

• Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized to allow for consistent cooking.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

• For a gluten-free option, replace flour with a gluten-free substitute.
• To make it vegetarian, use lentils or chickpeas instead of ground meat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside fresh crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
• Top with grated cheese for extra richness.

Best Places

1. The Meatball Shop - Known for its creatively flavored meatballs and welcoming atmosphere. Location: 64 Greenwich Ave, New York, USA.
2. Nopa - Offers an exquisite interpretation of traditional dishes, including their renowned meatballs. Location: 560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, USA.
3. Amelie - A cozy French bistro serving delicious meatball dishes. Location: 22 White St, London, UK.
4. La Marée - Famous for seafood, but their meatballs are a hidden gem. Location: 252 bis Bd Pereire, Paris, France.
5. Trattoria Mario - A family-run place delivering authentic Italian flavor. Location: Via Rosina, 2/R, Florence, Italy.
6. Chambar - Offers a great range of dishes including mouthwatering meatballs. Location: 568 Beatty St, Vancouver, Canada.
7. El Celler de Can Roca - Known for its innovative cuisine and stellar meatball dishes. Location: Can Sunyer 48, Girona, Spain.
8. Restaurant Tim Raue - Blends Asian flavors for a unique twist on classic dishes. Location: Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, Berlin, Germany.
9. Chez Janou - Offers a provençal atmosphere with excellent dishes. Location: 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, Paris, France.
10. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet - Provides a futuristic dining experience with visionary dishes. Location: 18 Nanjing Rd E, Huangpu, Shanghai, China.