MEAT
POLPETTE ALLA NAPOLETANA-BEEF MEATBALL
Polpette alla Napoletana, traditional Neapolitan meatballs, is a quintessential dish in Italian cuisine, especially revered in Naples. This beloved comfort food features succulent beef meatballs, seasoned with herbs and spices, and simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor, embodying the essence of home-cooked warmth. Polpette alla Napoletana is not just a dish; it's a celebration of family and tradition, often enjoyed gathered around the table, sharing stories and savoring each bite.
Recipe and Ingredients for 4 Guests
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 500 grams
- Breadcrumbs: 100 grams
- Milk: 50 ml (to soak breadcrumbs)
- Eggs: 2
- Parmesan Cheese: 50 grams, grated
- Garlic Clove: 1, minced
- Parsley: Chopped, to taste
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: For frying
- For Tomato Sauce:
- Canned Tomatoes: 800 grams, crushed
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Basil Leaves: A few, for garnish
- Canned Tomatoes: 800 grams, crushed
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Basil Leaves: A few, for garnish
preparation
Steps
- Prepare Meatballs: Soak breadcrumbs in milk. Combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Fry Meatballs: Briefly fry the meatballs in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- Make Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté onion in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Meatballs in Sauce: Add meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with basil leaves.
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
food cost
Estimated Costs
- Ground Beef: 500 grams. Approximate cost: ¥30.
- Breadcrumbs, Milk, Eggs, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Parsley, Olive Oil: Approximate total cost: ¥30.
- Canned Tomatoes, Onion, Basil: Approximate total cost: ¥20.
Total Cost for 4 Servings
- Ingredients: ¥80
Total Ingredient Cost: ¥80
Cost Per Serving
Cost Per Serving = ¥80 / 4 ≈ ¥20 per serving
Wine Pairing Suggestion
A robust red wine like Aglianico or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo would be an excellent pairing with Polpette alla Napoletana. The wine's acidity and tannins complement the richness of the meatballs and the depth of the tomato sauce.
List of Allergens
- Gluten: Present in breadcrumbs.
- Dairy: Milk and Parmesan cheese.
- Eggs: Used as a binding agent in meatballs