Potato meatballs, or polpette di patate, offer a delicious plant-based twist on traditional meatballs, combining fluffy potatoes with umami-rich mushrooms and a creamy sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. In this article, we’ll explore the easy step-by-step method for preparing these delightful potato meatballs, topped with a savory mushroom sauce.
Ingredients
- For the Potato Meatballs:
- 500 g (about 1 lb) potatoes
- 1 egg
- 100 g (about 1 cup) breadcrumbs
- 50 g (about ½ cup) grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 200 g (about 7 oz) mixed mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 200 ml (about ¾ cup) cooking cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Place the potatoes in a large pot filled with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Peel: Once tender, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. While they are still warm, peel off the skins.
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato ricer, mash the potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth texture in your meatballs.
- Combine Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add the egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is well combined and you achieve a smooth mixture.
- Shape the Meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture and form uniform polpette (meatballs) about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
- Cook the Garlic: In a non-stick pan, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and add the finely chopped garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the thinly sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the cooking cream and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine with Meatballs: Gently place the potato meatballs into the sauce, cooking them over very low heat for about 10 minutes. Turn the meatballs carefully to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce, and adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Serve the potato meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Nutritional Information and Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their fluffy texture when cooked. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they may not provide the desired consistency for meatballs.
- Prevent Sticking: When forming the meatballs, keep your hands lightly greased with olive oil to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. This makes shaping and handling easier.
- Allow to Cool: Let the cooked potatoes cool slightly before mashing. This improves their texture and helps the binding ingredients mix more effectively.
Variations
- Cheesy Herb Variation: For extra flavor, mix fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the potato mixture. You can also add mozzarella chunks for a delightful cheesy surprise inside each meatball.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, replace the egg with ground flaxseed or chia seed mixed with water (1 tablespoon of ground seeds + 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives. The flavor remains rich while catering to a plant-based diet.
This potato meatballs with mushroom sauce recipe creates a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite dish for family dinners or a way to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please. Dive into the rich flavors and textural contrasts, and enjoy every bite!