Recipe (Receta) Time! : Albóndigas!

Receta (Recipe): Albóndigas en Salsa de Tomate

A classic Spanish tapa, perfect for a slow afternoon.

Ingredientes para las Albóndigas:

• ½ lb carne de vaca (ground beef) & ½ lb cerdo (pork)
• 1 small cebolla (onion) & 2 cloves ajo (garlic) (minced)
• 1 huevo (egg), ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp fresh perejil (parsley)
• ½ tsp pimentón ahumado (smoked paprika), salt & pepper

Para la Salsa:

• 2 tbsp aceite de oliva (olive oil)
• 1 small onion & 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomates
• ½ tsp each: smoked paprika & dried oregano
• Optional: A drizzle of vinagre balsámico (balsamic) for dimension.

Instrucciones:

1. Mix & Roll: Combine meatball ingredients. Roll into 1-inch spheres.
2. Brown: Sauté in olive oil until browned on all sides. Set aside.
3. The Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic. Add spices and tomatoes. Simmer 5 mins.
4. Simmer: Return meatballs to the pan and simmer in sauce for 15 mins.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with pan crujiente (crusty bread) or patats fritas.

Sara's Tip: In Spain, albóndigas are often served with patatas fritas (french fries). It sounds strange to Americans, but it is a delicious tradición (tradition).