| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 564 | 42g | 18g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 32g | 0.88g |
Why I Love Colombian Meatballs in Sauce
Sweet and savory merge harmoniously in this beloved Colombian recipe, Meatballs in Sauce. Each Latin American country adds its own unique touch to this classic dish, but the Colombian version has truly won my heart, and they will likely win yours as well. The sheer simplicity of the recipe, brimming with the comforting flair of familiar ingredients, makes this a choice gourmet dish in my books.
Boasting a Fusion of Flavors
A Louisiana native, my culinary roots draw heavily from the Creole richness of my heritage and the elegant subtleties of my French ancestry. Occasionally, however, I like to branch out, explore new flavors, and immerse myself in the diverse world of global cuisine. The Meatballs in Sauce recipe hails from the kitchens of Colombia, yet it resonates with me so personally due to its resemblance to homestyle cooking.
The meatballs, composed of ground beef, bread crumbs, whole milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and eggs, are seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. This simple yet versatile ground meat mixture has always reminded me of the hearty and comforting meatloaf my grandmother used to prepare.
Bathed in a Rich Sauce
What makes Meatballs in Sauce divinely enticing is its rich, flavorful sauce. This Colombian specialty boasts an incredibly satisfying sauce, created from finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, and pepper, that packs a punch. This resembles the slow-cooked tomato gravy I grew up eating with my family down in Louisiana, which adds a touch of nostalgic comfort to the dish.
The inspiring Chef Maribel Rivera – celebrated for her authentic Colombian culinary creations – has doubtlessly played a hand in my love for this Meatballs in Sauce recipe. Her approach to Colombian cuisine, which focuses on traditional ingredients and time-honored techniques, reminds me of my own methods and further strengthens my appreciation for this delightful dish.
In conclusion, my love for this Colombian Meatballs in Sauce recipe is twofold. On one hand, it offers a wonderful venture into the South American cuisine, expanding my culinary horizon. On the other hand, it forms a link to my roots, rekindling precious memories of gathered family and shared meals. If there was ever a dish that truly captures the essence of ‘comfort food’, this might well be it.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- For the sauce:
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by combining the ground beef, bread crumbs, whole milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and eggs in a large bowl.
Step Two
Add salt and pepper to the mixture according to your taste. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Step Three
Take the mixture and shape it into small balls, each roughly the size of a golf ball.
Step Four
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are browned on all sides. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Step Five
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for the sauce. Saute them until they are softened.
Step Six
Add the tomato sauce, water, and sugar into the pan. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Step Seven
Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste. Add the meatballs back into the pan, ensuring they are fully covered by the sauce. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, until they are fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.
