Tasty Tefteli in Tomato Sauce

If you're looking for a comforting, home-cooked meal, tefteli in tomato sauce might be just what you need. This dish involves succulent meatballs simmered in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, making it a family favorite. The combination of juicy meat, aromatic spices, and a creamy tomato base creates a flavorful experience. Ideal for a cozy dinner, these meatballs are an excellent choice for both regular meals and special occasions. The preparation is straightforward, with just a few key ingredients, and the result is a wholesome dish that's bound to please. Adding creamy elements to the sauce enhances its texture and taste. With a cooking time that allows the flavors to truly meld together, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy classic home-cooked meals. Serve with rice or potatoes for a complete meal that's sure to satisfy. Let's delve into the recipe and discover the steps to make this delightful dish a reality.

Ingredients

**Main Ingredients:** - 500 g minced meat - 1 onion - 100 g bread - 1 clove of garlic - Oil - 50 g sour cream - 100 g tomato sauce

Preparation Time

Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Meat Mixture**: Start by finely chopping the onion. In a bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onion, crumbled bread, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. 2. **Form the Meatballs**: Take small portions of the meat mixture and shape them into balls, roughly the size of a golf ball, ensuring they hold together well. 3. **Coat with Flour**: Roll each meatball lightly in flour. This helps in forming a crispy outer layer and assists in thickening the sauce later. 4. **Heat the Oil**: In a large frying pan, heat a good amount of oil over medium heat. 5. **Brown the Meatballs**: Carefully place the floured meatballs into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides until they develop a golden crust. 6. **Prepare the Sauce**: While the meatballs are browning, mix together the tomato sauce, sour cream, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. This will form the base of your sauce. 7. **Combine Meatballs and Sauce**: Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them into a large pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs. 8. **Simmer**: Cover the pot and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce over low heat for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. 9. **Check the Sauce**: If the sauce is too thick for your taste, you can add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency. 10. **Final Touches**: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. 11. **Prepare the Side Dish**: While the sauce simmers, prepare either rice or potatoes, as per your preference. 12. **Serve**: Once everything is ready, serve the meatballs hot, garnished with extra sauce, alongside your chosen side. 13. **Presentation**: For a touch of color, you can sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs. 14. **Enjoy**: Relish the comforting textures and flavors of this delightful dish.

Tips

- **Substitutions**: You can swap beef for turkey or chicken for a healthier version. - **Bread Tips**: Use stale bread soaked in milk for extra moist meatballs. - **Sauce Adjustment**: Add chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. - **Cooking Technique**: Ensure not to overcook the meatballs to maintain juiciness.

Nutrition

- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving - Protein: 25 g - Fats: 20 g - Carbs: 30 g

Variations

- **Vegetarian Option**: Replace meat with mashed lentils or chickpeas. - **Gluten-Free**: Use gluten-free bread and flour alternatives. - **Dairy-Free**: Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free version or coconut cream.

Serving Suggestions

- **Side Options**: Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots. - **Garnishes**: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs before serving. - **Beverage Pairings**: Pair with a light red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Best Places

1. **Cozy Corner Café** - Known for its traditional and homey dishes. Location: 123 Main St, Vilnius, Lithuania. 2. **The Meatball Shop** - Offers a modern twist on classic meatballs. Location: 15 King St, New York, USA. 3. **Riga's Delight** - Famous for its authentic Latvian fare. Location: 78 Old Town Rd, Riga, Latvia. 4. **Bella Italia** - Combines Italian tradition with local flavors. Location: 22 Vine St, Florence, Italy. 5. **Heritage House** - Perfectly blends history with culinary art. Location: 89 Grand Ave, Toronto, Canada. 6. **Estonian Eats** - For a traditional Baltic experience. Location: 34 Freedom Pl, Tallinn, Estonia. 7. **Nordic Nook** - Features Scandinavian-inspired meatball dishes. Location: 56 Lake View Dr, Oslo, Norway. 8. **Cafe Lativa** - A cozy spot for classic and comforting meals. Location: 17 Baltic Ave, Riga, Latvia. 9. **Bistro Baltic** - Offers a mix of modern and traditional tastes. Location: 99 Seaside Ln, Gdansk, Poland. 10. **East European Eatery** - Celebrates a range of Eastern European classics. Location: 24 East St, Prague, Czech Republic.