Albóndigas

Name: Albóndigas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1/2 yellow onion, finely minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; to taste salt and black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 cups tomato sauce; 1/2 cup chicken broth

Tender Spanish meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onion, garlic, and warm spices. Serve as a tapa or hearty main course.

50 minMediumServes 4310 cal/serving

SpanishDinnerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 yellow onion, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground cumin
to taste salt and black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1.5 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1

Combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup whole milk in a small bowl and let sit for 1 minute.
2

In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, 1/2 finely minced yellow onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, and seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
3

Form mixture into 12-16 meatballs and place on a plate.
4

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
5

In the same skillet, combine 1.5 cups tomato sauce and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
6

Return meatballs to skillet, nestling into sauce. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
7

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

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Questions

What is Albóndigas?

Tender Spanish meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onion, garlic, and warm spices. Serve as a tapa or hearty main course. This reference files it under Spanish dinner: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 50 minutes start to finish.

Why does Albóndigas say not to overmix?

Step 2 reads: "Mix gently until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 2 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What can I use instead of panko in Albóndigas?

The entry for Albóndigas calls for 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. In its place: Coarse dry breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers all work. Fine breadcrumbs coat more densely, so use a little less.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Albóndigas?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Albóndigas uses 1 lb ground beef.

Can I make Albóndigas gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Albóndigas is 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Albóndigas contain eggs?

Yes: 1 large egg. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Albóndigas?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 310 calories, with 22 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate and 21 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 640 mg sodium.

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