Kjofte vo Domaten Sos (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
A comforting and classic Macedonian dish featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce. This is a beloved home-style meal often served with rice or mashed potatoes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef(can also use a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Egg
- 3 tbsp Bread crumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes(optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(for meatballs)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for sauce)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(for sauce)
- 500 ml Tomato juice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- for garnish Fresh parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
- 2
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. You should get about 16-20 meatballs.
- 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. You may need to do this in batches. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.
- 4
In the same skillet (or a separate pot), heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. This is your roux.
- 5
Slowly whisk in the tomato juice and water, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the sugar and sweet paprika. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- 6
Carefully add the browned meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For softer meatballs, you can let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.
- ✓If the tomato sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓This dish is excellent served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of dried mint to the meatball mixture for a traditional touch.
- For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.