To start, you will need to prepare the meatballs. Combine ground veal, breadcrumbs, an egg, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and shape into small balls about the size of golf balls. Heat some olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the meatballs. Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for about 5 minutes in total. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Next, you will need to prepare the sauce for the stew. In the same pan, add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped eggplant. Cook until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally, for around 5 minutes. Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable stock to the pan. Mix everything well. Add oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
Add the meatballs back to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the stew simmer over low heat for around 25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked thoroughly. Stir gently occasionally.
While the stew is simmering, you can prepare a side dish or you can enjoy it as is. Some recommended side dishes that go well with veal meatballs in a stew with eggplants are crusty bread, pasta, or rice. You can also opt to garnish the stew with some chopped herbs like parsley or basil.
Veal meatballs in a stew with eggplants is a dish that offers a lot of nutritional benefits. Eggplants are low in calories, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially potassium. Meanwhile, veal is a great source of protein and all essential amino acids that your body needs. Together, they make a delicious and healthy dish that you can enjoy any day of the week.
In conclusion, veal meatballs in a stew with eggplants is a delicious and comforting dish that works great as a dinner meal. It is easy to prepare and makes use of basic ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. It is a great way to get your daily dose of healthy nutrients while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying dish. So next time you’re looking for a meal that is comforting, yet healthy, consider giving veal meatballs in a stew with eggplants a try.