Moldavian Meatballs

Submitted by Laddo

"Meatballs that are simmered in a garlicky sauce with red peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables. Serve with polenta, rice or noodles and a salad."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 35mins
• Ingredients: 27
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• Meatballs

• 1 lb ground pork
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 1 large onion, grated
• 2 cloves, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs

• Sauce

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 large red bell pepper, quartered
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large leek, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1⁄4 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup plum tomato, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon hot paprika
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper
• flour
• 2 teaspoons sour cream
• 3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped

directions

1. In a large bowl, combine meatball ingredients. Blend thoroughly and refrigerate while making sauce. Combine garlic and red pepper in food processor to paste. Set aside.
2. Saute onion in oil 5 minutes. Add leek, carrot and celery, 10 minutes. Add paste, 3 minutes, add flour, simmer 15 minutes.
3. Create walnut sized meatballs. Saute in separate skillet over medium heat until well browned. Dust with flour. Saute i minute more.
4. Add balls to simmering sauce, cover simmer another 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream and fresh herbs.