Italian Meatballs with Peppers

Authentic Italian Meatballs with Peppers Recipe - Taste the Flavors of Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian Meatballs with Peppers is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender meatballs with colorful bell peppers and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Italian meatballs have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. Originally made with a combination of ground beef and pork, meatballs have evolved over time to include a variety of meats such as turkey, chicken, and even vegetarian options. The addition of peppers and mushrooms adds a flavorful twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp italian herb seasoning
0.25 tsp salt
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup (1 large) chopped red bell pepper
1 cup (1 large) chopped yellow bell pepper
1 cup (3 oz (85 g)) sliced fresh mushrooms
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp maggi Instant chicken bouillon
1.5 cup (12 fluid-ounce can) NESTLE. carnation. Evaporated fat Free milk, divided
4 tsp all-purpose flour
2 cup hot cooked rice
Chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Combine turkey, onion, herb seasoning, and salt in a large bowl; form the mixture into 24 one-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until browned.
Reduce the heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet and keep them warm.
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, and bouillon to the skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Combine 1 tbsp of evaporated milk and flour in a small bowl; add it to the skillet.
Gradually stir in the remaining evaporated milk; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 8 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Add the meatballs back to the skillet and stir to coat.
Serve the meatballs over rice and garnish with parsley.

Variations

Use ground beef or pork instead of turkey for a richer flavor.
Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for added richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly to ensure they are cooked through.

- Use a combination of red and yellow bell peppers for a colorful presentation.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the meatball mixture.

- Serve the meatballs over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Meatballs with Peppers can be served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Brown the meatballs in a skillet before simmering them in the sauce to lock in flavor.

- Use a combination of sautéing and simmering to ensure the peppers and mushrooms are cooked to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any color bell peppers you have on hand.

- Substitute chicken broth for the chicken bouillon.

- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Italian Meatballs with Peppers in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Meatballs with Peppers pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian Meatballs with Peppers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian Meatballs with Peppers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian Meatballs with Peppers contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian Meatballs with Peppers contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian Meatballs with Peppers is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Italian Meatballs with Peppers is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

Italian Meatballs with Peppers is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a creamy sauce and tender meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always loved spending time with her, watching her work her magic with ingredients and flavors.

On that particular day, Maria was in the midst of preparing a delicious Italian feast for her family. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up one delicious dish after another.

As we chatted and sipped on glasses of homemade wine, Maria suddenly paused and looked at me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "You know, my dear friend," she said, "I have a special recipe for Italian Meatballs with Peppers that I learned from my grandmother. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I was thrilled at the prospect of learning a new recipe, especially one that had been passed down through generations. I eagerly nodded my head, and Maria wasted no time in showing me the ropes.

She began by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and a medley of herbs and spices in a large mixing bowl. She gently mixed everything together with her hands, taking care not to overwork the mixture. Maria explained that the key to tender and flavorful meatballs was to handle the mixture with a light touch.

Next, Maria rolled the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls and placed them on a baking sheet. She then popped them into the oven to bake until they were golden brown and cooked through.

While the meatballs were baking, Maria prepared the peppers. She sliced red and green bell peppers into thin strips and sautéed them in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and onions. The peppers sizzled and caramelized, releasing their sweet and savory flavors into the air.

Once the meatballs were done baking, Maria added them to the skillet with the peppers. She gently tossed everything together, allowing the flavors to meld and marry. The kitchen was filled with the irresistible scent of savory meatballs and sweet peppers.

Finally, Maria spooned the meatballs and peppers onto a large platter and garnished them with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The dish looked absolutely beautiful, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas that made my mouth water.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria poured us each a glass of wine and raised her glass in a toast. "To friendship, good food, and cherished recipes," she said with a smile.

I took a bite of the Italian Meatballs with Peppers and was instantly transported to a place of comfort and joy. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, infused with the richness of Parmesan cheese and herbs. The peppers added a sweet and tangy contrast, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

As I savored each delicious bite, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Maria's generosity in sharing her family recipe with me. The dish was a true labor of love, a testament to the time-honored tradition of passing down recipes from one generation to the next.

From that day on, Italian Meatballs with Peppers became a beloved staple in my own kitchen. Whenever I make it, I think of Maria and the special bond we share through our love of cooking and sharing recipes. And I am reminded that the true magic of food lies not just in the flavors themselves, but in the stories and memories that they evoke.