Swordfish and Eggplant Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Polpette di Pesce Spada e Melanzane al Sugo)
This delightful and flavorful recipe for swordfish and eggplant meatballs in a savory tomato sauce will leave your taste buds singing! A delicious second-course dish that combines the delicate flavors of swordfish, the softness of eggplant, and the heartiness of the tomato sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish is both nutritious and full of Mediterranean goodness.
Recipe Overview:
- Category: Main Course (Secondi Piatti)
- Serving Size: 15 servings
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Swordfish | 250g |
| Eggplant | 450g |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Fine salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | A pinch |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 5 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons |
| Breadcrumbs | 100g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
For the Tomato Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato passata | 650g |
| Onion | 1 |
| Fresh basil | 2 sprigs |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
- Begin by washing the eggplant thoroughly. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and use a knife to remove the skin.
- Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and place it into a bowl.
- Once removed, use an immersion blender to puree the eggplant until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 2: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, add the eggplant puree.
- Next, crack the eggs into the bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, fine salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Add breadcrumbs to the mixture, adjusting the quantity as needed to ensure the mixture holds together without being too sticky.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut, making sure each meatball is compact and uniform.
Step 3: Cooking the Meatballs
- Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Place the meatballs in the pan and cook them for about a minute, turning them to ensure they are evenly golden and crispy on all sides.
Step 4: Preparing the Tomato Sauce
- While the meatballs are cooking, heat some extra virgin olive oil in a separate pan over low heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until soft and translucent.
- Pour in the tomato passata and stir to combine.
- Add the bay leaves and basil sprigs for a fragrant touch.
- Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Combining Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
- Once the meatballs are golden, carefully add them to the simmering tomato sauce.
- Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for an additional 20 minutes over low heat, ensuring they absorb the rich flavors of the tomato sauce.
Step 6: Serving
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove the bay leaves and basil sprigs.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano if desired.
Tips:
- To make the meatballs extra flavorful, you can also add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme to the eggplant mixture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
- If you prefer a richer tomato sauce, you can add a dash of red wine while simmering the sauce.
Enjoy the perfect combination of tender swordfish, earthy eggplant, and aromatic herbs in this comforting dish, ideal for family dinners or any occasion that calls for Mediterranean-inspired goodness!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fats | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
This recipe is a wonderful, healthy meal that is low in carbs while being rich in protein and heart-healthy fats, perfect for those seeking a flavorful, satisfying dish.
