Authentic spanish meatballs recipe | A taste of Spain

A traditional spanish meatballs

As a chef, few things are more satisfying than creating a dish that brings people together. In Spain, food is an essential part of our culture, serving as the centerpiece for family gatherings, celebrations, and moments shared with friends. Today, I want to share a recipe close to my heart: Spanish meatballs.

Known as "albóndigas" in Spain, these meatballs are savory, tender, and full of traditional flavors that represent the warmth of Spanish gastronomy. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it ideal for a homemade family meal or an impressive dish for guests.

Let's dive into this easy-to-make recipe, so you can bring a taste of Spain into your own kitchen!

Ingredients

•  500g ground beef or a mix of beef and pork

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

 

For the sauce:

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Start by preparing the meatball mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) with the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and fresh parsley. Add in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands to gently mix everything, ensuring that all the flavors are well incorporated without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs: Once the mixture is combined, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you’ve used up all the mixture. You should end up with about 16-20 meatballs, depending on size.

3. Sear the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this stage, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.

4. Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the smoked paprika and ground cumin, stirring for about 1 minute to release their flavors. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and dry white wine (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld together.

5. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce: Add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce, making sure they’re evenly covered. Lower the heat and let them simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer allows the meatballs to absorb the rich, smoky flavors of the sauce, making them incredibly tender and flavorful.

6. Garnish and Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. These Spanish meatballs can be enjoyed on their own, but they’re also wonderful served over rice, with crusty bread, or even alongside some Spanish-style potatoes.

7. Enjoy with Loved Ones: Finally, it’s time to savor these delicious Spanish meatballs! Serve them up as a family meal or at a gathering with friends. The rich, smoky sauce and tender meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table, making it a dish that’s as enjoyable to share as it is to eat.

Cooking these Spanish meatballs is not only a way to explore new flavors but also a chance to bring a taste of Spain’s rich culinary heritage into your home. This recipe is simple yet full of bold flavors that represent the heart of Spanish cuisine. Enjoy!