Ingredients
For the Fish Meatballs:
- 1 pound (450 g) white fish fillets (like cod, haddock, or tilapia), skinless and boneless
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fish Meatballs:
1.1. Process the Fish:
- In a food processor, pulse the fish fillets until finely chopped, but not completely pureed.
1.2. Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped fish, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
1.3. Form Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
1.4. Cook Meatballs:
- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
2.1. Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
2.2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
2.3. Simmer Sauce:
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
3.1. Add Meatballs to Sauce:
- Gently add the cooked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are heated through and have absorbed some of the sauce flavors.
4. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the fish meatballs with the tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or alongside a crusty piece of bread.
Enjoy your delicious fish meatballs in tomato sauce!
