Imagine tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce that transports you straight to the heart of Spain. These Albóndigas are more than just a meal – they’re a culinary journey that combines traditional flavors with comforting home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a dish that impresses at gatherings, these meatballs are about to become your new favorite recipe.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground beef or beef/pork mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- Flour for coating
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 400g (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Lightly coat each meatball in flour, shaking off excess.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs in the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add chopped tomatoes, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Gently place the cooked meatballs into the tomato sauce, allowing them to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Approximate Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
Why Albóndigas Are a Healthy Choice
These Albóndigas aren’t just delicious – they’re packed with nutritional benefits. The lean ground meat provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance, while the tomato sauce offers lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The inclusion of fresh herbs adds micronutrients and flavor without extra calories. By using minimal oil and incorporating vegetables, this dish strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and turkey to reduce the fat content while maintaining incredible flavor.
Enjoy your culinary journey through Spanish cuisine with these delectable Albóndigas!