Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This mouthwatering Tomato Chilli Garlic Sauce and Piquant Lemon Herb Meatball recipe is not just a meal—it's a sensory journey that combines the bold heat of chilli, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the bright, zesty notes of lemon. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a food enthusiast craving something extraordinary, this Italian-inspired dish promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your palate with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chilli flakes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground meat
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture by combining ground meat, lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform round meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Gently place the meatballs into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown evenly and ensure they are cooked through.
- In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes and chilli flakes to the garlic, stirring continuously. Simmer the sauce for 10-12 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the tomato sauce and stir to incorporate additional brightness.
- Transfer the cooked meatballs into the tomato chilli garlic sauce, coating them completely. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta.
Tips
- Use room temperature meat for better mixing and more tender meatballs
- Don't overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs light and juicy
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F for safe cooking
- For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture
- Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a little pasta water or chicken broth to adjust consistency
- For a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil meatballs before adding to sauce
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 225kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
