Meatballs and Courgetti

If you’re a fan of meatballs and looking for a lighter, healthier alternative, then this recipe for Meatballs and Courgetti is perfect for you! By replacing traditional pasta with spiralized courgette (also known as zucchini), we’re taking a classic dish and giving it a nutritious twist. Get ready to savor the flavors of tender meatballs combined with fresh and vibrant courgetti!

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 500g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the courgetti:

• 4 medium-sized courgettes (zucchinis)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Set them aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic for the sauce and sauté until translucent and fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat.

In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook them on all sides until browned.

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the simmering sauce. Let them cook in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked through.

Meanwhile, spiralize the courgettes using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. If you prefer a softer texture, lightly sauté the courgetti in a pan with olive oil for a few minutes until tender.

Season the courgetti with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of courgetti, and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips:

• If you want to make the meatballs gluten-free, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
• To add more flavor to the meatballs, try incorporating some finely chopped onions or a dash of Worcestershire sauce into the mixture.
• You can use your favorite ground meat or even a combination of different meats for the meatballs. Experiment with beef, pork, chicken, or turkey for unique flavors.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own.

Substitutions:

• Instead of courgetti, you can use regular pasta or other vegetable noodles like carrot or sweet potato noodles.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with plant-based alternatives such as lentils, chickpeas, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs? A: Absolutely! After cooking the meatballs, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I make the sauce in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop and add the cooked meatballs.

Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? A: Absolutely! If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, feel free to use them instead of dried. Just remember to adjust the quantities accordingly (use more fresh herbs compared to dried).

Q: What is courgetti? A: Courgetti is a term used to refer to courgettes (zucchinis) that have been cut into long, curling pieces using a spiralizer, which is a kitchen tool for creating vegetable noodles. It is a healthier alternative to traditional pasta and can be used in various dishes.

Q: What is courgetti made from? A: Courgetti is made from courgettes, also known as zucchinis. The relatively soft flesh of courgettes makes them easy to spiralize into thin, noodle-like strands.

Q: Is courgetti the same as pasta? A: No, courgetti is not the same as pasta. While pasta is made from wheat flour, courgetti is purely made from courgettes that have been spiralized into noodle-like shapes. It is a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to pasta.

Q: Can I use courgetti as a substitute for spaghetti? A: Yes, courgetti can be used as a substitute for spaghetti. It offers a lighter and healthier option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or incorporate more vegetables into their diet. Courgetti can be prepared and cooked similarly to pasta.

Q: What does courgetti taste like? A: Courgetti has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, similar to that of courgettes. It has a tender and slightly crunchy texture when cooked al dente. The taste of courgetti can be enhanced by pairing it with flavorful sauces or seasonings.

Q: Are there other names for courgetti? A: Yes, courgetti is also known by other names, such as zoodles (a combination of zucchini and noodles) in the United States. These names are often used interchangeably to refer to spiralized courgette noodles.

Q: Does courgetti need to be cooked? A: Courgetti can be enjoyed raw or cooked, depending on personal preference. Raw courgetti retains a crisp texture and is often used in salads or as a fresh topping. If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly sauté or blanch the courgetti for a few minutes until tender.

Q: Can I use courgetti in any recipe that calls for pasta? A: Yes, courgetti can be used in various recipes that traditionally call for pasta. It works well with sauces, stir-fries, stews, and even cold noodle salads. It offers a lighter and vegetable-packed alternative to pasta dishes.

Meatballs and Courgetti is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of meatballs with the freshness of courgette noodles. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. So why not give it a try and enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite? Bon appétit!