Crispy Celery Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce

Celery Meatballs – A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

If you’re looking for a flavorful, hearty, and unique dish to impress your guests or to prepare for a family meal, look no further than Celery Meatballs. This dish offers a delightful combination of celery, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, all bathed in a rich homemade tomato sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main course, these meatballs will undoubtedly steal the show.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

For the tomato sauce:

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Tomato Sauce

1. Begin by preparing your tomato sauce. Heat a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat.
2. Add the garlic cloves (left in their skins) and sauté briefly until they release their aroma, making sure they don’t burn.
3. Pour in the passata di pomodoro (tomato passata) and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover the pan with a lid and let the sauce cook for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to develop.
5. At the end of the cooking time, remove the garlic cloves from the sauce and discard them. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Celery Meatballs

1. While the sauce is simmering, start preparing the celery meatballs. Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
2. Clean the celery by removing the base of the stalks and roughly chop them into smaller pieces. You will need about 400g of cleaned celery.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the celery and cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
4. While the celery cooks, cut the bread into pieces. When the celery is ready, drain it and allow it to cool slightly. Then, finely chop the celery with a knife.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery with Parmesan Reggiano, the crumbled bread, and the egg. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too wet, you can add a little more crumbled bread.
7. Form the mixture into small meatballs, each about the size of a large walnut. Roll each meatball in the remaining breadcrumbs to coat them evenly.

Step 3: Frying the Meatballs

1. In a deep pan or pot, heat sunflower oil to 170°C (340°F) using a kitchen thermometer.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add 3-4 meatballs at a time, frying them for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.
3. Remove the meatballs and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Serving

1. To serve, place a generous amount of the homemade tomato sauce on each plate as a base.
2. Arrange the freshly fried celery meatballs on top of the sauce.
3. Finish by garnishing with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Tips & Variations:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance, forming the meatballs and storing them in the fridge. Fry them fresh before serving for the best texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of parsley, feel free to substitute with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love These Celery Meatballs:

The celery meatballs are a wonderful way to add some green into your meal while maintaining a comforting, satisfying texture. Paired with the rich tomato sauce, they provide a hearty yet light meal perfect for any occasion. The freshness of the celery paired with the sharpness of the Parmesan creates a delightful contrast, while the crispy fried exterior offers the perfect bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these meatballs will surely become a favorite!