Meatballs with Peas and Potatoes

Meatballs with peas and potatoes are a tasty dish that combines the sweetness and freshness of peas with the tenderness of potatoes. Here is an Italian version. First, I will list the ingredients and then we will proceed with the preparation.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of ground meat (can be beef, pork, or a mix)
  • 1 egg
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • 1 onion
  • 400 g of fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 500 ml of vegetable or meat broth
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • Chopped parsley as needed
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the egg, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some chopped parsley. Add breadcrumbs until the mixture is moldable but not too dry.
  2. Shape the meatballs into the desired size and set aside.
  3. Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes.
  4. In a large pan, sauté the finely chopped onion in extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
  5. Add the meatballs to the pan and brown them on all sides.
  6. Once browned, add the peas and potatoes, and mix gently.
  7. Pour the vegetable or meat broth into the pan to cover the meatballs, peas, and potatoes, then bring to a boil.
  8. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let cook for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and peas are tender and the meatballs are cooked.
  9. If necessary, during cooking, add more broth to maintain the right level of moisture in the dish.
  10. At the end of cooking, if you want a thicker sauce, you can increase the heat and let some of the liquid evaporate, adjusting with the lid as needed.
  11. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Curiosity

Meatballs are a very versatile dish and can be found in various forms in different cuisines around the world. In Italy, the addition of Parmesan and parsley to the mixture gives that special touch that enhances the flavor of the meat. Pairing meatballs with vegetables such as peas and potatoes makes for a one-pot dish that is complete and ideal for a family lunch.

Remember, you can always play with herbs and spices to further personalize the dish to your taste!