Almond Meatballs Spain Recipes

ALBONDIGAS CON PICADA DE ALMENDRA (MEATBALLS IN AN ALMOND SAUCE)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the pork, veal, garlic, breadcrumbs, spices, egg and season with salt and pepper. Mix by hand until the mixture is smooth and leaves the side of the bowl. Refrigerate covered for one hour.
• When ready to cook, roll tablespoons of the mixture into small 1-inch balls.
• Heat one tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan and brown half the meatballs on medium-high heat (3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
• Add the remaining oil, if necessary, and brown the other half of the meat balls. Drain on paper towels. Set aside the meatballs while making the sauce.
• Lower the heat and add onion. Cook until golden and caramelized. Add tomato and cook for one minute. Stir in the wine, broth and add the bay leaf. Add the meatballs back to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile combine parsley, garlic, 1/8 tsp salt, saffron, almonds and paprika in a blender or mini-food processor. Pulverize into a paste. Add this mixture, along with the peas, to the meatballs and cook for 15 more minutes.

TINY SPANISH MEATBALLS IN ALMOND SAUCE

Steps:

• MEATBALLS:.
• Place bread in a bowl and add water. Let soak for 5 minutes. Using your hands, squeeze out the water and return the bread to the dried bowl. Add pork, onion, garlic, parsley and egg. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. Knead the ingredients well to form a smooth mix.
• Spread flour on a plate and with floured hands, shape the mixture into 30 balls, then roll each again in flour until coated.
• Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottom skillet. Add meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes or until browned on all sides. Remove meatballs and reserve.
• MAKE SAUCE:.
• Heat oil in same skillet in which the meatballs were fried. Break the bread into pieces, then add to the skillet with the almonds and cool gently until the bread and almonds are golden brown. Add the garlic and fry for an additional 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and boil for 1-2 minutes. Season to taste. Cool.
• Transfer the almond mixture to a food processor. Pour in the vegetable stock and process the mixture until smooth. Return to skillet.
• Add meatballs and simmer 25 minutes or until tender. Taste and season if necessary.
• transfer all to serving dish. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley to garnish. Serve piping hot with crusty bread for mopping up the almond sauce.