5 e 5 - South African Style Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• Meatballs: Meatballs:
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 20g (total), 7g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (total), 3g (sugars)
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix well until evenly combined.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Gently place the meatballs into the tomato sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you prefer a richer flavor, opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content.
• Crushed tomatoes — Look for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes without any added seasonings or preservatives for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the tomato sauce before adding the meatballs.
• Serve the meatballs with a side of chutney or pickles for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future use.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the meatball mixture to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the 5 e 5 meatballs hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. They can be enjoyed as a main course with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. For a complete South African experience, serve alongside traditional sides such as chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish) or pap (maize porridge).

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs in a shallow serving dish, spooning the tomato sauce over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve with the suggested side dishes and accompaniments to create an enticing and authentic South African presentation.