Russian Meatballs in a Sweet and Sour Tomato Sauce | How to make Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide fiber while crushed crackers can be more economical.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while pork can be less expensive.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is natural, while brown sugar is often cheaper.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade can be fresher, while canned is often more affordable.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/3 cup long grain rice and 1 cup water, and microwave for 2.5 minutes to pre-steam the rice.

Strain the rice and set aside.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in 2 quarts of organic chicken stock and add 16 ounces of unseasoned pureed tomatoes, whisking to combine.

Add 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of dry dill, 2 teaspoons of dried parsley, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot and whisk again.

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer while preparing the meatballs.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef with a few big pinches of salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Add 1/2 cup of unseasoned bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of milk, a few cloves of crushed garlic, 2 eggs, chopped parsley, and the drained parboiled rice to the beef mixture.

Mix the ingredients by hand until well incorporated.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with a little oil.

Using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop, portion out the meatball mixture and roll them into balls, placing them on the baking sheet.

Gently lower the meatballs into the simmering sauce one by one, ensuring they don't stick together.

Cover the pot and let the meatballs simmer for 25-30 minutes, checking periodically to prevent boiling over.

After cooking, gently stir the meatballs and taste the sauce for seasoning.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens