Marengo Meat Balls with Rice

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice Recipe from Italy | Ingredients: bread, milk, ground beef, onion, and more

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce served over fluffy rice is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice is a classic recipe that originated in Italy. It is said that the dish was created by Napoleon's chef after the Battle of Marengo in 1800. The chef had limited ingredients to work with, so he came up with this simple yet flavorful dish using meatballs and tomatoes.

Ingredients

3 slices of bread
0.33 cup of milk
1.5 lb (680 g) of lean ground beef
1 cup of finely chopped onion
0.5 tsp of salt, divided
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 cups of beef broth
1 cup of canned peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
0.5 cup of mayonnaise or salad dressing
0.25 cup of flour
0.13 tsp of ground red pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Soak the bread in milk for 5 minutes.
Mix the soaked bread with beef, onion, 0.25 tsp of salt, and black pepper; form the mixture into 18 balls.
Heat oil in a large skillet; add the meatballs and cook until browned.
Add broth to the skillet and stir to loosen the brown particles.
Blend tomatoes, mayonnaise, flour, pepper, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt.
Stir the tomato mixture into the broth; add the bay leaf.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf.
Serve the dish over fluffy rice.

Variations

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the bread in milk for at least 5 minutes to ensure that the meatballs are tender.

- Brown the meatballs in a hot skillet to seal in the juices and add flavor to the dish.

- Simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marengo Meat Balls with Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the bread in milk helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

- Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the tomato sauce adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use breadcrumbs instead of bread for the meatballs.

- Substitute ground pork or lamb for the beef for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The tomato sauce can also be made in advance and reheated when needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Marengo Meat Balls with Rice in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Marengo Meat Balls with Rice with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Marengo Meat Balls with Rice 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 Marengo Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Marengo Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Marengo Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Marengo Meat Balls with Rice contains approximately 35 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

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

Summary

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its tender meatballs in a rich tomato sauce served over fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Marengo Meat Balls with Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a culinary genius, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. As we chatted over a cup of tea, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf and flipped to a page marked with a faded yellow post-it note.

"Have you ever tried Marengo Meat Balls with Rice?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the sound of the dish. Maria explained that Marengo was a traditional Italian recipe, named after the Battle of Marengo in 1800 where Napoleon's chef created the dish to celebrate their victory. The recipe consisted of tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It sounded absolutely delicious.

Maria handed me the cookbook and urged me to give it a try. She had scribbled down her own notes and modifications on the page, making the recipe her own. I thanked her profusely and promised to make it for my family that weekend.

As I gathered the ingredients and got to work in my own kitchen, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. My grandmother had been my first teacher, passing down her knowledge and love for cooking to me. She had taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and cooking with passion and care.

I rolled the meatballs in my hands, feeling the mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and herbs come together. The aroma of garlic and onions sautéing in the pan filled the air, mingling with the scent of simmering tomatoes and herbs. I added a dash of red wine for depth of flavor, just as Maria had suggested.

As the meatballs cooked and the sauce thickened, I couldn't wait to taste the final result. The rice bubbled away on the stove, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and meatballs. I plated the dish carefully, garnishing it with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

When my family sat down to dinner that evening, their eyes lit up at the sight and smell of the Marengo Meat Balls with Rice. They took their first bite and immediately declared it a new favorite. The tender meatballs melted in their mouths, the sauce bursting with rich, savory flavors. The fluffy rice provided the perfect canvas for the dish, soaking up all the delicious juices.

From that moment on, Marengo Meat Balls with Rice became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving rave reviews. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition that Maria had started.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. Sometimes I would substitute ground turkey for beef, or add mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor. Each time I made Marengo Meat Balls with Rice, it brought back memories of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, where I had discovered a new culinary delight.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic and tomatoes, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Marengo Meat Balls with Rice will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives. And for that, I am truly thankful.