When you want a satisfying and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug, these juicy meatballs with a savory non-alcoholic gravy hit the spot. Packed with spices, herbs, and tender minced meat, these meatballs are deliciously juicy and pair perfectly with a rich vegetable-based gravy. The best part? This dish is both hearty and alcohol-free, making it a great choice for the whole family. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this meal is bound to become a favorite at the dinner table.
Ingredients for 3-4 People:
For the Meatballs:
- 1000 grams minced meat (pork or a mix of pork and beef)
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
For the Gravy:
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 50-80 grams celery, finely chopped
- 3 teaspoons tomato paste
- 700-800 milliliters vegetable broth
- Cold water + 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, mustard, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the breadcrumbs and crack in the eggs. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix everything together until well-combined and evenly seasoned.
- Once mixed, shape the meat into meatballs, about the size of golf balls.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
- Warm a small amount of oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, cook the meatballs in batches, ensuring there’s enough room in the pan for each one.
- Sear the meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
3. Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same pan, incorporate the diced onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, letting it caramelize slightly to add depth to the gravy.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring well to combine the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
4. Thicken the Gravy:
- Combine cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering gravy, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Keep simmering the gravy until it reaches your preferred thickness. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Place the cooked meatballs back into the skillet and pour the gravy over them.
- Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the rich sauce.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the meatballs with the savory gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Conclusion:
These juicy meatballs paired with a rich, savory non-alcoholic gravy are the perfect comfort meal for any occasion. The spices in the meatballs and the hearty vegetable-based gravy come together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for the whole family!