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–+ servings
Red Wine Braised Meatballs

Hearty Red Wine Braised Meatballs for Comfort Food Lovers

Enjoy these Red Wine Braised Meatballs, a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights and special gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken Can swap for beef, pork, or lamb
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped, finely & diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free if needed
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Replace with nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • 1 Egg Use a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce for vegans
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Vegetable oil can be used as substitute
For the Sauce
  • 750 ml Red Wine Use a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth as a vegetarian substitute
  • 1 medium Carrot
  • 1 stalk Celery
For the Polenta
  • 1 cup Polenta Substitute with mashed potatoes if desired
  • 2 tbsp Butter Use olive oil for dairy-free

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet
  • Pot
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into golf-sized meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes.
  3. In the same skillet, add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in red wine and bring to a simmer. If using, add chicken broth and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Return browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and braise in the sauce for 20-30 minutes.
  6. Prepare polenta by boiling water or broth, gradually whisk in polenta, and stir until creamy. Mix in parmesan, butter, and salt.
  7. Serve polenta on plates topped with meatballs and sauce, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Do not skip browning the meatballs for a deeper flavor and better texture.

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