Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti
Summary
For anyone searching for the perfect dinner delight, look no further than Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti. This traditional dish, which oozes flavors from the heart of Italy, is a must-try. While Tuscany is renowned for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, its cuisine is equally remarkable. Dive into this guide and discover how to bring a piece of Tuscany to your table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g)
- Fresh breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (60g)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup (15g)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 2
- Grated parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50g)
- Large egg: 1
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (1g)
- Spaghetti: 8 ounces (225g)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (400g)
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon (1g)
- Fresh basil leaves: A handful
Preparation Time
Approximately 20 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.
Serves
Serves 2 hungry souls.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving)
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
Instructions
- Start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, half of the garlic, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form this mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This should take around 5 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining garlic. Cook until aromatic.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and oregano.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes.
- As the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti as per package instructions.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce, letting them soak in the rich flavors.
- Once the spaghetti is ready, drain and mix with the meatballs and sauce.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh basil and some extra parmesan if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add some red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Always use fresh herbs; they elevate the flavor.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a touch of balsamic vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. This dish pairs beautifully with a cold iced tea or a sparkling water with a lemon wedge. Don’t forget to sprinkle some additional grated parmesan on top for that extra touch of Italian goodness.
Savoring Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti is like taking a journey through Tuscany’s countryside. The burst of flavors from the meatballs combined with the simplicity of the spaghetti creates a harmonious dance on your palate. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a meal that whisks you away to Italy, this dish will surely hit the spot.
FAQS
1. Can I use frozen berries for the smoothie bowl?
Yes, frozen berries can be a great choice, especially to achieve a thicker consistency. Just ensure they are thawed a little or blend longer for a smooth texture.
2. How can I make my smoothie bowl thicker?
To make the bowl thicker, you can use frozen fruits, reduce the almond milk quantity, or add more bananas which naturally thicken the mix.
3. Is there an alternative to almond milk?
Absolutely! You can use oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy-free milk alternative based on your preference.
4. I don’t have granola on hand. What can I use instead?
In the absence of granola, you can use muesli, crushed nuts, seeds, or even rolled oats for that added crunch.
5. Can I add other fruits to this smoothie bowl?
Yes, you can customize the bowl by adding fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or mango. The combination of fruits is flexible based on your preference.
6. Is honey a vegan option?
No, honey is not considered vegan. If you are aiming for a fully vegan bowl, it’s best to use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
7. How can I add more protein to my smoothie bowl?
To boost the protein content, add a scoop of your preferred protein powder, hemp seeds, or even some Greek yogurt if dairy is not a concern.
8. Can I prepare the smoothie mixture in advance?
Yes, you can blend the smoothie mixture a night before and store it in the fridge. However, adding the toppings fresh just before serving ensures the best texture and flavor.
9. How can I reduce the sugar content?
You can skip the honey or maple syrup and ensure that your granola doesn’t contain added sugars. Rely on the natural sweetness of ripe fruits.
10. Are the coconut flakes essential for the recipe?
No, coconut flakes are optional. They add a tropical touch and some texture but can be omitted or replaced with other toppings.
Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti
Nutritions
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 pound 450g
- Fresh breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup 60g
- Fresh parsley chopped: 1/4 cup (15g)
- Garlic cloves minced: 2
- Grated parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup 50g
- Large egg: 1
- Salt: 1 teaspoon 5g
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon 1g
- Spaghetti: 8 ounces 225g
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons 30ml
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can 400g
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon 1g
- Fresh basil leaves: A handful
Instructions
- Start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, half of the garlic, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form this mixture into medium-sized meatballs.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This should take around 5 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining garlic. Cook until aromatic.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and oregano.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes.
- As the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti as per package instructions.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce, letting them soak in the rich flavors.
- Once the spaghetti is ready, drain and mix with the meatballs and sauce.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh basil and some extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Always use fresh herbs; they elevate the flavor.
For a richer sauce, you can add a touch of balsamic vinegar. Serve the Tuscan meatballs and spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. This dish pairs beautifully with a cold iced tea or a sparkling water with a lemon wedge. Don’t forget to sprinkle some additional grated parmesan on top for that extra touch of Italian goodness.
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