Food for the (Gluten Intolerant) Soul

My meatballs recipe is perfect for a healthy life style as it requires no frying, eggs or oil.

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

• 1 small onion
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 zucchini
• 1 celery stem
• 1 small carrot
• 500g lean minced beef (or 250g minced beef and 250g minced turkey)
• Seasoning: salt, black pepper, paprika

Sauce:

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1-2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional but highly recommended)
• Seasoning: salt, black pepper, paprika, 2 bay leaves and baharat (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a pan, cook the chopped tomatoes, water, seasoning, and 3 garlic cloves over medium heat until hot and simmering.
2. Chop the Vegetables: In a food processor, finely chop the zucchini, onion, celery, and carrot.
3. Divide the chopped vegetables in half, adding half to the sauce and half to the meat mixture.
4. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the minced meat, remaining chopped vegetables, 3 garlic cloves, seasoning, and 3 tablespoons of the tomato sauce. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about golf ball size.
5. Cook the Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce and add the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve: Best served over pasta, rice, or salad. For a crispier texture, you can fry the meatballs before adding them to the sauce. Enjoy!

4o