Ricotta Balls with Tomato Sauce: the recipe for a simple and tasty dish

The ricotta balls with tomato sauce are a rich and tasty main dish, a vegetarian alternative to the classic meatballs. Ricotta balls are made with a mixture of sheep's milk ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese and parsley. They are cooked in tomato sauce which is flavored with basil leaves, for a tasty and tender final result.

Super tasty and fragrant, ricotta balls are perfect for any family lunch or dinner, it is sure everyone will love them. Serve this dish with slices of homemade bread to taste the tomato sauce.

So let’s find out how to make ricotta balls with tomato sauce by following our simple recipe step by step.

Tips

If the dough is too compact, you can add milk.

Add breadcrumbs if the dough is too soft.

For an even more delicious dish, you can bread the balls with egg and breadcrumbs, then fry them in hot seed oil.

You can use cow's milk ricotta cheese, to substitute part or all of sheep's milk ricotta cheese.

How to store Ricotta Balls with Tomato Sauce

The ricotta balls with tomato sauce can be stored for one day in the refrigerator, in a special airtight container. They cannot be frozen.

How to make Ricotta Balls with Tomato Sauce

Make the dough; blend the breadcrumbs in a stand mixer.

Transfer the breadcrumbs to a large bowl and add the ricotta cheese.

Also add the egg.

Then add the grated cheese, and season with salt and pepper.

Flavor with chopped parsley.

Mix everything with a spatula, until you get a homogeneous mixture.

Shape the balls with your hands, making balls the size of a small apricot.

Continue until all the dough is finished and arrange all the balls on a tray.

Let rest the ricotta balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

In the meantime, prepare the tomato sauce; pour a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil into the pan and brown the garlic.

Pour in the tomato sauce.

Cook the tomato sauce for 10-15 minutes, then add salt.

Add the balls to the sauce.

Gently arrange them without stirring to prevent them from breaking.

Cover the balls with the tomato sauce using a spoon.

Turn them gently and cook for 5-10 minutes.

Flavor with fresh basil.

Serve the ricotta balls with tomato sauce immediately.