Polpette al Sugo
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Italian

Polpette al Sugo

Italy's classic meatballs in tomato sauce — polpette al sugo, one of the most beloved Italian comfort foods. The Italian meatball is quite different from the American-Italian version: smaller, more delicate, often fried first, then finished in a simple tomato sauce. Contains a panade (stale bread soaked in milk) for tenderness, Parmesan, egg and parsley.

Total
35 min
Serves
6
Level
Medium

Prep 15 min · Cook 20 min

Ingredients

6 servings

Method

  1. Combine meat, squeezed bread, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic; season. Mix gently — overworking makes them tough. Form into balls 3–4cm diameter.

    About 4 min

  2. Fry meatballs in olive oil in batches; brown on all sides. Remove.

    About 9 min

  3. Tomato sauce: sauté garlic; add tomatoes; season; simmer 15 minutes.

    About 9 min

  4. Place meatballs in the sauce; simmer gently 25 minutes, basting occasionally.

    About 9 min

  5. Finish with basil. The meatballs absorb the tomato. Serve with bread; or separately before pasta (as in Italy, where the Sunday polpette are eaten before the pasta dressed with the same sauce).

    About 3 min

Nutrition per serving (estimate)

Calories
440
Protein
32 g
Carbs
14 g
Fat
30 g
Fibre
2 g
Sugar
6 g
Sodium
620 mg

Contains: gluten, dairy, eggs

All Italian recipes

Recipe by Boon Tools.