Description
These tiny, flavorful meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are a Croatian classic, perfect served over pasta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 14 oz (400 g) pasta
- 24 oz (700 g) canned tomato
- 15.8 oz (450 g) ground meat
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp powdered red paprika
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil, for frying
- Breadcrumbs, as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with 2 minced garlic cloves, powdered red paprika, nutmeg, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
- Add the egg and enough breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. Form small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In another pan, heat a little olive oil and add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the canned tomatoes to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce over the cooked pasta, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a different flavor, you can substitute ground pork or turkey for the ground meat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 65 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 85 mg