Meatballs in Saffron-Almond Sauce Recipe
๐ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
๐ฅ Yield: 36 meatballs
Description:
Indulge in the savory delight of Meatballs in Saffron-Almond Sauce, a Spanish-European fusion that’s perfect for potlucks, brunch, or any occasion demanding a burst of flavor. These delectable meatballs, drenched in a luxurious saffron-almond sauce, are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests craving for more.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 400g | Ground beef |
| 400g | Ground pork |
| 50ml | Milk |
| – | Garlic |
| 1 | Onion |
| 3 tbsp | Parsley |
| 2 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Nutmeg |
| – | Egg |
| 1 | Bread |
| – | Flour |
| 100ml | Olive oil (for meatballs) |
| 40ml | Olive oil (for sauce) |
| 1 | Peppercorns |
| 3 | Saffron threads |
| 1 | Clove |
| 10ml | White wine |
| 1/2 | Lemon juice |
| 1/2 cup | Slivered almonds |
| 150ml | Stock |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork.
- Soak the bread in enough milk to cover until soft.
- Squeeze the bread dry, then add it to the meat mixture along with minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt, nutmeg, and beaten egg.
- Knead the mixture until smooth.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Roll each ball in flour.
-
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the meatballs slowly in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.
- Strain the oil and reserve 3 tablespoons for the sauce.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, fry slivered almonds, bread, and garlic in the reserved oil until golden brown.
- Remove the fried ingredients from the skillet.
- In a mortar, crush peppercorns, saffron threads, clove, and salt.
- Transfer the crushed spices to a food processor.
- Add the fried almond, bread, and garlic mixture to the food processor.
- Pour in the white wine.
- Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth paste.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the paste, remaining olive oil, and stock.
- Bring the sauce to a boil.
- Add the fried meatballs to the sauce.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 20 minutes, adding more liquid if necessary.
-
Serve:
- To serve, squeeze lemon juice over the meatballs to taste.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and slivered almonds on top for garnish.
- Enjoy the rich and flavorful Meatballs in Saffron-Almond Sauce with your favorite side dishes or as a standalone delight.
This recipe is a testament to the vibrant culinary traditions of Spain and Europe, blending aromatic spices, tender meat, and a creamy almond sauce to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a special meal, these meatballs are sure to impress.
