European > Romanian

Perișoare with Tomato and Basil Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet with lid

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Stir to combine.

6. Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer and add the meatballs back to the skillet.

7. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

8. Serve hot with additional chopped basil on top.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for cooking meatballs, simmer for tomato sauce
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground pork or ground turkey
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce

Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrition
- Use Italian seasoning instead of basil for a different flavor profile
- Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian meatballs for a vegetarian version of this recipe

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to evenly distribute all ingredients in the meatball mixture to ensure even cooking
- Brown the meatballs on all sides before adding them to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and texture
- Use a spoon to carefully turn the meatballs in the skillet to prevent them from falling apart

Storage instructions:
Store leftover perișoare with tomato and basil sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the perișoare with tomato and basil sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the perișoare with tomato and basil sauce in a large serving dish with additional chopped basil on top.

Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped basil or grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tomato sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Perișoare is a traditional Romanian dish made with meatballs and tomato sauce. It is often served with mashed potatoes or polenta.

Flavor profiles:
The tomato and basil sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to the meatballs, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the perișoare with tomato and basil sauce as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.

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Region: Romanian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Aromatic, Balanced