42 - MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE (ALBONDIGAS EN SALSA DE TOMATE)

The word "Albondiga" is from the Arabic term al-bunduqa, 'The ball'.

In Spain, the Meatballs were allegedly introduced by the Arabs during the period of al-Andalus. Spanish Meatballs are usually served as a main course.

Meatballs are made with ground Meat, Mince Beef or Pork, or a mixture of both, Egg, Garlic, Onion Parsley and sometimes Breadcrumbs too. After frying slightly, finish cooking it in a Sauce traditionally made ​​of fried Onion, Flour, White Wine and Spices. Also can be cooked in Tomato Sauce as shown in this recipe. The Fish-balls are equally appreciated, and served with a variety of Sauces.

INGREDIENTS for 4 people:

- 1/2 kg of Pork Mince.

- 1/2 kg of Beef Mince.

- 1 Onion.

- 1 Clove of Garlic.

- 1 Egg.

- Parsley (Better if fresh).

- 2 tins of Chopped Tomatoes

- 3 teaspoons of Salt.

- 1/2 litre of Vegetable Oil.

STEPs 1 & 2 - Add the chopped Onion, Garlic and Parsley into a the mixer Glass and ground it altogether.

STEP 2 

STEPs 3 & 4 & 5 - In a big bowl add the Beef mince, Pork mince and mix them all very well.

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6 - Add in the grounded Onion, Garlic and Parsley...

STEP 7...and mix it all very well. 

STEP 8 - Add the full raw Egg and Salt...

STEP 9 - ...and mix it all very well again. At this point we have the Meatballs "Dough" ready.

STEP 10 - To make decent sized Meatballs I recommend you to use a very full tablespoon of Meatball mince and then shape it into a ball. 

STEP 11 - Then we are going to cover the Meatball in Flour by rolling them one by one on a dish with some Flour.

STEP 12 - In a pan add 1/2 litre of Vegetable Oil...

STEP 13 & 14 - ... when the Oil is very hot, lets introduce the Meatballs (not too many at the same time to avoid cooling down the Oil), and fry them for about 6 minutes (about 3 minutes for each side).

STEP 14

STEP 15 - At this point the Meatballs are ready to be served if you like plain, but if not you can continue cooking them in any Sauce of your choice  such as Tomato, Onion or Almond Sauce, Gravy, Etc...or you can use them for cooking a delicious Meatball Soup.

STEP 16 & 17  - Here I am cooking the Meatballs in a very simple Tomato Sauce, so the only thing you have to do once the Tomato Sauce is ready, is adding the Meatballs, mix it all very well and allow simmering for about 10 minutes.

STEP 17

STEP 18 - Here you have Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Spaghetti, but also Fried Potatoes, Vegetables or Boiled Rice is a good option.