Albondigas Tradicional (Traditional Moorish Meatballs)


Recipe adapted from the Food of Spain cookbook by Vikki Harris

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

For Meatballs:

8 oz ground pork
8 oz ground beef
4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoon coriander seeds (freshly ground)
2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (freshly toasted and ground)
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 egg
¼ cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped fine
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For Spicy Tomato Sauce:

1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
¼ cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped fine
½ cup white wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups (15 oz can) crushed tomatoes
½ cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl combine pork, beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, spices, egg and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until the mixture is smooth. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Turn mixture into small 1-inch balls. Heat a large sauté pan with olive oil on medium high heat and cook the meatballs, rolling until all sides are golden brown, drain on paper towel. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until translucent about 5 minutes. Add parsley and white wine and reduce liquid a little. Add tomato paste and mix well, add the crushed tomatoes, stock and cayenne and mix well. Add meatballs back into the pan and cook for another 10 minutes on medium low heat. The sauce should get thick. Serve warm.

Albondigas Tradicional (Traditional Moorish Meatballs)