Cutlets in tomato sauce are a great alternative to simple meatballs. Thanks to the gravy, the dish becomes more juicy, soft and tender, and also goes well with any side dishes: cereals, pasta and potatoes. Cutlets are good and in their own right, especially a bit of bite with a slice of fresh white bread.
The choice of the main ingredient
The taste of cutlets directly depends on the quality and type of meat used. Those who like more succulent and hearty dishes, it is better to use mixed minced pork and beef. Fans of dietary foods are suitable chicken or turkey. Well, those who are crazy about original dishes with an unusual taste will certainly like cutlets made of lamb.
Minced meat for meatballs is better to cook yourself. Only in this case can you be sure of its quality, freshness and final taste of the dish. However, if there is absolutely no time, then you can purchase a finished product in a trusted store.
Minced meatballs in a tomato sauce in a pan
The classic recipe for meatballs in red gravy has earned great popularity in almost every family. This sauce is used to prepare many dishes: cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, meatballs, etc. Cutlets with gravy also turn out to be excellent! Boiled rice, mashed potatoes or spaghetti can be served as a side dish for meatballs. The recipe for meatballs in tomato sauce in a pan will help create a tasty, fragrant and very mouth-watering dish for those who have never encountered cooking it.
For juicy meatballs you will need:
- half a kilogram of minced meat;
- one large egg (or two small ones);
- salt, ground black pepper;
- one onion head;
- breadcrumbs;
- vegetable oil.
Products for tomato sauce:
- 250 milliliters of tomato juice (can be replaced with concentrated paste, 4 tablespoons diluted in 200 milliliters of cold water is enough);
- a pinch of sugar;
- one medium onion;
- salt, ground black pepper;
- two bay leaves;
- one large carrot;
- three peas of allspice.
A detailed process for preparing a delicious meal
Release the onion from the husk, rinse, and then mashed using a meat grinder, chop on a fine grater or cut into small pieces.
Place the minced meat in a deep bowl and beat in the chicken egg. Stir well, then add chopped onion. Salt and pepper the cutlet for the meatballs in tomato sauce to taste. If the minced meat seems liquid, you can add a little breadcrumbs to it. Thoroughly knead the meat.
Pour breadcrumbs into a flat plate. Moisten your hands in water, take a piece of minced meat and roll a bun out of it. Flatten the resulting meat ball in the palms, giving it a round and neat shape. Roll the cutlet in breadcrumbs on all sides. Do this with all the stuffing.
Pour vegetable oil into the pan. Put the cookware on medium heat and heat well. Place meat preparations in hot fat. Fry over medium heat on both sides until a beautiful golden crust appears.
Remove the finished patties from the pan and place on a plate.
It's time to make tomato sauce. Peel the carrots and onions, wash, and then chop: first grate on a coarse grater, cut the second into cubes or half rings. Prepared vegetables are placed in a pan with vegetable oil, and then sent to the stove. Sauté the ingredients over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for several minutes.
At this time, prepare the sauce: dilute the tomato paste in water, add salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar, then mix thoroughly. If juice is used, then it should be tasted and, if necessary, corrected with spices.
On the vegetable frying, lay out the ruddy cutlets and pour them in tomato sauce. The gravy should reach the tops of the meatballs. If there is little fluid, add a little water. Cover the pan, set a small fire and simmer the meatballs in tomato sauce for 15-20 minutes.
Remove the finished dish from the heat and leave for a quarter of an hour to insist.
Chops in sour cream and tomato sauce
This dish is distinguished by its special, delicate taste. Cutlets in sour cream and tomato sauce are prepared in almost the same way as their classic counterpart. First you need to fry the meatballs, guided by the previous recipe. When the cutlets are ready, you can begin to create a gentle gravy.
To prepare an unusual sauce you will need:
- two tablespoons of tomato paste;
- one small carrot;
- 175 milliliters of sour cream with a fat content of 15%;
- one medium-sized onion;
- 125 milliliters of meat or vegetable broth (can be replaced with water);
- salt, ground black pepper;
- vegetable oil.
Creating a delicious dish
Peel, rinse and chop onions with carrots. The first can be chopped into thin half rings or cut into small cubes, and the second is grated on a coarse grater.
Pour a little oil into the pan and put on fire. When the fat warms up a bit, place the vegetables in it. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the onions and carrots are soft.
To the finished vegetables add tomato paste and pour the broth. Stir all the components thoroughly to achieve a homogeneous state. Add ground pepper and salt to taste. If desired, you can use other spices that you like. Bring the sauce to a boil, then cook for another 5 minutes.
After the specified time, add sour cream. Mix the contents of the pan thoroughly again. Remove the gravy container immediately from the heat.
Ready cutlets put in a small saucepan and pour hot sauce. Cover the dishes and then put on low heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the stove and let it brew.
Delicious cutlets in sour cream and tomato sauce served with any side dish while hot.
Enjoy your meal!