Bring the tapas bar to your kitchen with these completely irresistible, melt-in-your-Spanish meatballs.
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Pack your bags! It’s time to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Spain with these delightful Spanish meatballs, or Albóndigas! This beloved dish has a rich history rooted in the heart of Spanish cuisine, where each region adds its own unique twist. Tender, juicy, and full of bold, aromatic flavors, Spanish meatballs are perfect for get-togethers with families and friends.
The first time I tasted Spanish meatballs was at a bustling tapas eatery. As the small plate was placed on my table, the smell of garlic, tomatoes, and red wine warmed me to my core. I rolled up my sleeves, tore a piece of crusty bread off a loaf, and went to town. I can still taste the zesty paprika and fresh parsley. Spanish meatballs are divine, and there’s no need to travel straight to Spain. All of the ingredients should easily be found in your local grocery store. Now, let’s get to cooking so your home can be filled with these meatballs rich and vibrant flavors.
Are Spanish Meatballs Healthy?
Sometimes, a dish is good for your health, and sometimes, a dish is good for your soul. Spanish meatballs are more of a feel-good comfort food than a healthy dinner option, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no nutritional value in these meatballs. There’s a high amount of protein along with poly and monounsaturated fats. You’ll also find an assortment of vitamins and minerals.
While I like to be an optimist, it is important to be aware of the unhealthy sides of Spanish meatballs. It’s high in carbs and saturated fat. The cholesterol and sodium are up there, too. One substitution you could make to improve the healthiness of Spanish meatballs would be to replace ground beef and/or ground pork with ground turkey. Ground turkey is a lean meat high in protein and nutrients, which can decrease the calories and fat content of Spanish meatballs.
Red wine Alternatives
If you don’t consume alcohol or don’t have any red wine on hand, there are a few substitutions. While it won’t bring the acidity red wine does, many enjoy replacing red wine with beef broth. It has a deep flavor, and you could always add a bit of vinegar to achieve the acidity needed. Red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar are also suitable substitutes, but many recommend a ratio of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water for similar flavor results. Also, any sort of acid mixed with sugar and stock makes for a fine red wine replacement.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 28 oz can of whole tomatoes, crushed
- 1/2 cup red wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix
Combine meats, breadcrumbs, and seasonings; form meatballs.
Cook
Sauté onions, garlic, and paprika; add tomatoes and wine.
Simmer
Add meatballs to sauce, simmer until cooked.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Your Spanish meatballs will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. If freezing is your preferred method, Spanish meatballs will be good for a maximum of 2 months if stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Leftover meatballs? Oh, I’m in!
When cooking a dish like Spanish meatballs, fresh ingredients are always superior in taste and aroma. If you buy a fresh head of garlic, a bundle of parsley, onion, and plump tomatoes before cooking Spanish meatballs, I assure you they’ll be immensely flavorful.
Once your Spanish meatballs are done cooking, let them sit for 5 minutes off heat. I know you’re hungry, but this extra step allows the juices and tomato sauce to absorb back into the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
When I had Spanish meatballs for the first time, all I needed to clear my plate was a few slices of warm and crusty bread. But in true tapas fashion, you’ll want multiple small plates. Might I suggest an inviting paella, a classic tortilla de patatas, or a refreshing bowl of gazpacho? You could also top your Spanish meatballs on a pile of brown rice or potatoes (air fryer baby potatoes, rosemary roasted potatoes, or maybe even a baked potato). And as always, you can make your Spanish meatballs more of a whole meal by enjoying them with roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 28 oz can of whole tomatoes crushed
- 1/2 cup red wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent. Stir in smoked paprika and cook for another minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and red wine to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently add the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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