Gourmet Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce: A Deliciously Elegant Dish

If you're looking for a recipe that elevates classic meatballs to a gourmet level, this one is for you. With a rich and flavorful red wine sauce, these meatballs will be a hit on any special occasion. Perfect for an elegant dinner or to impress your guests, these meatballs are full of flavor and have a sophisticated touch that will delight everyone.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 500g of ground beef (you can use a mix of pork and beef for more flavor)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup of red wine (choose a good quality wine)
• 1 cup of beef broth (preferably homemade)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the wine)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with the egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the milk and mix well until you have a smooth dough.

Form meatballs about the size of a walnut (around 3-4 cm in diameter). If the mixture is too sticky, you can moisten your hands with water.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in small batches, browning them on all sides (about 5 minutes per batch). Once browned, remove them and set aside.

2. Prepare the Red Wine Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and soft.

Pour in the red wine and let the alcohol evaporate, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and sugar (if you're using it). Cook the sauce over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until it has reduced by half and has a thick, velvety texture.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Meatballs in the Sauce:

Add the browned meatballs to the skillet with the red wine sauce. Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the sauce flavors and cook through.

4. Serve:

Serve the meatballs on individual plates, spooning the red wine sauce over them. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, white rice, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips:

• For an extra flavor boost: You can add a bit of cream to the sauce at the end of cooking to make it richer and creamier.
• Pairing: A good red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, will complement the flavors of the sauce perfectly.

These gourmet meatballs in red wine sauce are a true delight for the taste buds and will surely impress your guests. Enjoy this delicious and sophisticated dish!