Ingredients

2 teaspoons butter
1/4 cup onion , finely diced
2 slices bread , stale
1/4 cup milk
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon parsley , fresh
1/2 teaspoon tarragon , fresh
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove , minced
1 egg , light beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon butter , possibly more
1/4 cup onion , chopped
4 ounces mushrooms , sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt ( to taste )
1 cup spinach , chopped ( optional )
Bitochki are a classic Russian dish made with ground beef and a creamy mushroom sauce. This meal is perfect for colder weather as it is warm and comforting. The meatballs are tender and juicy while the sauce is rich and flavorful. The addition of spinach also adds a pop of color and nutrition to the dish.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion until soft.
3.Soak bread in milk and squeeze out excess liquid.
4.In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onion, bread, salt, pepper, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and paprika.
5.Mix well and shape into 2-inch meatballs.
6.In a large skillet, melt butter and brown meatballs on all sides.
7.Transfer meatballs to a casserole dish.
8.In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms until tender.
9.Add dry white wine and simmer until reduced by half.
10.Add sour cream, milk, pepper, nutmeg, salt, and optional chopped spinach.
11.Pour sauce over meatballs.
12.Bake for 25-30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
13.

PROS

Bitochki are a hearty and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed as a main dish.
The creamy mushroom sauce pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy meatballs.
This recipe is also versatile as you can add your choice of vegetables or spices to personalize the dish.

CONS

This recipe requires some prep work and may take a bit longer to make due to baking time.
Additionally, it may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences as it contains meat and dairy products.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The meatballs in this recipe are a good source of protein while the spinach and mushrooms provide vitamins and minerals such as iron and potassium. However, the high fat and calorie content from the butter and sour cream should be consumed in moderation for those watching their intake.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.