Albondigas: Spanish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Parsley
Albondigas, also known as Spanish meatballs in tomato sauce with parsley, is a delicious and popular dish in Spain. Made with flavorful ingredients like garlic, parsley, ground beef, and breadcrumbs, these meatballs are a delightful combination of savory flavors.
To make the meatballs, start by peeling and chopping garlic and parsley. Combine them with the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls and coat them with flour.
Next, heat oil in a pan and fry the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper until tender. Add tomato paste and cook briefly. Deglaze the pan with canned tomatoes and red wine. Season with salt and pepper. Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
Enjoying Albondigas
Albondigas are often served as tapas in Spain, making them a perfect appetizer for a Spanish-themed meal. They pair well with crusty bread and other tapas like aioli, pimientos, bacon-wrapped dates, or salt-crusted potatoes. For a heartier meal, they can be served with rice or small pasta.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the dish, you can substitute the red wine with vegetable broth.
Storing Albondigas
These Spanish meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when properly packaged. They can also be frozen by placing the meatballs and sauce in a suitable container. This allows you to have a delicious tapas dish on hand whenever you want.
More Albondigas Recipes
If you’re looking to explore variations of this Spanish classic, here are some more albondigas recipes:
– Albondigas with separate tomato sauce
– Albondigas with a combination of beef and rabbit
– Traditional tapas recipes that go well with beer or wine
– Different regional specialties such as Manchego cheese, chorizo, and olive oil
– Classic pan-fried meatballs for a hearty dinner or cold party snack
Explore the diverse and delicious world of Spanish cuisine!