Parlies with Tomato Basil Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 26g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the canned crushed tomatoes and chopped basil to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Gently place the meatballs into the tomato basil sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
6. 6.
   Serve the Parlies with the tomato basil sauce, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Use lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. Ensure the meat is well-chilled before mixing to make it easier to handle.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese using a fine grater for a smoother texture in the meatballs.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato basil sauce.
• To ensure tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
• Make a double batch of Parlies and freeze the extras for a quick and convenient meal later on.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the meatball mixture to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Parlies with a side of cooked spaghetti or crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato basil sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra touch of indulgence.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Parlies on a platter, with the tomato basil sauce drizzled over them. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve with a side of pasta or bread to complete the presentation.