Polpette al Sugo

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic (for meatballs), chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Do not overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.

2. 2

   Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16-20 meatballs.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Lightly wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.

3. 3

   Heat half of the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

4. 4

   Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don't need to be cooked through, just nicely colored.

   Aproximativ 8 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Crowding the pan will steam the meatballs instead of browning them, so cook in batches if necessary.

5. 5

   Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

6. 6

   Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet, then add the chopped yellow onion.

7. 7

   Sauté the onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

   Aproximativ 7 min.

8. 8

   Add the minced garlic (for sauce) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

9. 9

   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and optional sugar.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

10. 10

    Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then return the browned meatballs to the skillet.

    Aproximativ 2 min.

11. 11

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Aproximativ 30 min.

    Nota bucătarului: The longer the meatballs simmer, the more tender they will become and the more flavor they will absorb from the sauce.

12. 12

    Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Adding fresh basil at the end preserves its vibrant flavor and color.

13. 13

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

    Aproximativ 1 min.