Meatballs With Zucchini Bechamel Sauce Recipe

Delicious, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Zucchini Béchamel with Meatballs and Tomato Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the richness of béchamel sauce, the savory taste of meatballs, and the tangy freshness of tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Let's dive into the detailed preparation of this culinary masterpiece.

Zucchini Béchamel

1. Preparation

   : Peel and grate the zucchinis. This will form the base of your béchamel sauce, adding a subtle and refreshing flavor.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the grated zucchinis and finely chopped red pepper. Cook them over low heat until they soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Roux: Once the vegetables are softened, add the flour to the pan. Cook, stirring continuously, for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it cooks the flour and removes any raw taste.
4. Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk to the pan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
5. Finish the Béchamel: Add salt, pepper, and grated cheddar cheese to the mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Meatballs

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, cumin, and pepper. Knead the mixture with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small balls. Roll each meatball in flour to coat them lightly. This will help them achieve a nice crust when fried.
3. Fry the Meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Tomato Sauce

1. Cook the Vegetables: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green pepper, and cook until they soften.
2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes until it releases its aroma.
3. Add Grated Tomatoes: Add the grated tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.
4. Combine with Meatballs: Add the fried meatballs to the tomato sauce. Stir gently and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assembly

1. Prepare the Dish: Spread the zucchini béchamel sauce on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Add Meatballs: Place the meatballs on top of the béchamel sauce.
3. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Bon Appétit!

Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. The creamy zucchini béchamel pairs perfectly with the juicy meatballs and tangy tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Serving : 4 Servings
Ingredients
For the zucchini béchamel;
• 5 green zucchinis,
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped,
• 2 tablespoons flour,
• 1,5 cup whole milk,
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar,
• 3 tbsps vegetable oil,
• Salt, pepper.
For Meatballs;
• 200 g ground beef,
• 1 onion, grated,
• 1 egg,
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs,
• 1 handful parsley, chopped,
• Salt, cumin, pepper,
• 1 tbsp flour,
• Vegetable oil for frying.
For Tomato Sauce;
• 3 tomatoes, grated,
• 1 tbsp tomato paste,
• 1 onion, chopped,
• 1 green pepper, chopped,
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil,
• Salt.
See the Measurements
Preparation:
1. Peel and grate the zucchinis,
2. Heat oil, add zucchinis and chopped red pepper,
3. Cook them over low heat in a pan until softened,
4. Add flour and cook stirring for 5 mins,
5. Now add the milk and stir well,
6. Finally add the salt, pepper and cheddar, stir until the cheddar melts and the sauce becomes creamy, then remove from heat,
7. For meatballs combine all ingredients in a bowl and knead with your hands,
8. Make small balls,
9. Cover the meatballs with flour and fry,
10. For sauce heat oil and add onion and pepper,
11. Add tomato paste and cook until it smells well,
12. Add grated tomato and cook for 5-7 mins.,
13. Add salt and stir,
14. Add meatballs and cook for 1-2 mins,
15. Place the meatballs on the zucchini béchamel and serve,
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