Meatballs in Pepper Sauce (Polpette al Sugo di Peperoni)
Category: Main Courses (Secondi Piatti)
Servings: 30 Meatballs
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
This hearty and flavorful Italian recipe for Polpette al Sugo di Peperoni brings together tender, juicy meatballs in a rich, velvety red pepper sauce. The combination of ground beef and sausage, soaked bread, and fresh herbs makes for a deliciously savory filling. The accompanying pepper sauce, blending the sweet peppers with garlic and basil, coats the meatballs perfectly, creating an irresistible dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 300g |
| Sausage (removed from casing) | 200g |
| Whole Wheat Bread (crust removed) | 200g |
| White Onions | 100g |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 30g |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Fresh Basil | 5 leaves |
| Garlic Clove | 1 |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 sprig |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | q.b. |
| Fine Salt | q.b. |
For the Pepper Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Bell Peppers | 600g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | q.b. |
| Salt | q.b. |
| Fresh Basil | 2-3 leaves |
| Warm Water | q.b. |
Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs:
-
Prep the Bread: Begin by soaking the whole wheat bread in warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes until soft, then squeeze out any excess water to avoid sogginess.
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and sausage (ensure the sausage is removed from its casing). Add the soaked bread, finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Using your hands, mix everything until well combined and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
-
Form the Meatballs: Once the mixture is ready, shape it into meatballs about 30g each. You should end up with around 30 meatballs. Set them aside on a tray or plate.
-
Cook the Meatballs: Heat a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Gently fry the meatballs, turning them occasionally to ensure they are evenly browned on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked through, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
Preparing the Pepper Sauce:
-
Cook the Peppers: While the meatballs are cooking, wash and clean the red bell peppers by removing the top and seeds. Cut the peppers into small chunks. Peel and finely slice the white onion.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan used for the meatballs, add a little more olive oil and the garlic clove. Sauté over medium heat until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
-
Cook the Peppers: Add the chopped red bell peppers to the pan with the onions. Let the mixture cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peppers should soften and release their sweetness. Add a little warm water as needed to keep everything moist.
-
Blend the Sauce: Once the peppers are soft and fully cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a few fresh basil leaves and season with salt to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, thin it with a little more warm water.
Bringing It All Together:
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Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the pan with the pepper sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes so they can absorb the flavors.
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Serve: Serve the meatballs immediately with the pepper sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips & Variations:
- Extra Flavor: For a more robust flavor, you can add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce while cooking the peppers.
- Herb Options: If you don’t have basil, feel free to substitute it with oregano or thyme for a different herbal note.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated. The meatballs tend to absorb more of the sauce’s flavors as they sit, making it even more delicious the next day!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
This traditional Polpette al Sugo di Peperoni is a comforting and satisfying dish that is bound to please a crowd. Whether served as a main course or with a side of pasta, it will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
