Mediterranean Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Cinnamon
6
servings10
minutes1
hourSo many flavors in a simple recipe! There are also many ways to enjoy the meatballs. We added them to a bowl with roasted cauliflower, brown rice, tzatziki sauce, avocado and feta cheese.. super yummy!
Ingredients
- For the meatballs
1 lb. of ground meat (we used a mixture of beef, pork and veal)
1 egg
1 slice of toasted bread mashed in 2 Tbsp. of milk
1/2 red onion, grated
2 Tbsp. of sundried tomatoes, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tsp. of dried oregano
1 tsp. of garam marsala
1 Tbsp. of fresh mint, finely chopped
- For the sauce
2 Tbsp. of olive oil
1 small sweet onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
6 ounces of tomato paste
Pinch of saffron, crumbled *
3 cups of chicken broth
1 Tbsp. of honey
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp. of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
- For the meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine all ingredients and mix well. Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they register 165 degrees.
- For the sauce
- In a large pot add olive oil and heat until simmering. Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions start to soften. Add garlic, tomato paste, saffron. Stir to combine. Add broth, honey, and cinnamon sticks. Stir and continue to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Add meatballs and continue to cook an additional 10 minutes.
Tips
- 1. * Saffron is a spice that adds brilliant color and sweet floral flavor. Although you only need a pinch, it is very expensive and can be omitted if you don’t have it.
