Filled Meatballs in Tomato Gravy

Nearly every culture has recipes for meatballs and a large variety of flavors exists. In this recipe I combine flavors from the Mediterranean. I use an organic mix of spices and flowers. There are a few organic products available on the market. I used the one from “Sonnentor” and it’s called “good mood”/”Gute Laune” (in German)! It’s a blend of the following: sea salt, garlic, basil, wild garlic, oregano, calendula, rosemary, thyme, rose petals & grain flowers. If you’re unable to find a ready-made blend, you can create your own by mixing as many of the above as you have available.

You need the following ingredients for about 4 servings:

For the meatballs:

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 tbsp spice/flower mix (see above, for example, Sonnentor)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 1 pouch mini mozzarella balls or 1 regular mozzarella cut into 10 – 12 equal pieces
• 2 – 4 fresh tomatoes, depending on size
• salt & pepper (as you desire)

For the tomato gravy:

• 1 glass organic tomato puree (500ml)
• 1 tbsp spice/flower mix (see above, for example, Sonnentor)
• 2 tbsp mascarpone crème
• salt & pepper (as you desire)

Heat the oven at 180ºC. To make the meatballs, combine all ingredients except for the mini mozzarella balls and the fresh tomatoes into a bowl and mix them. I recommend using your hands to do this.

Shape the mixture into ~10 – 12 meatballs (∅ 5cm) and stuff each meatball with 1 mini mozzarella ball. Put the meatballs into a large casserole dish or two small ones. Cut the fresh tomatoes into quarters and place in the casserole dish as well. You can also add fresh chilies if you like it spicy.

To prepare the tomato gravy, heat the tomato puree in a saucepan over medium heat, add the spice/flower mix and season with salt & pepper.  After a few minutes, remove from heat and add the mascarpone crème and stir, then pour over the meatballs.

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until the mozzarella just melts and everything is nicely colored. I often serve the meatballs with celery puree.

Enjoy, Melanie…

Categories: Kids Recipes, Main Dishes, World of Recipes

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