| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 410 | 28g | 10g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 25g | 0.8g |
Why I Love Spanish Meatballs in Spanish Sauce
I can hardly contain my excitement to share with you all my love for this Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe. Imperfectly rounded little gems cooked to absolute perfection, bursting with flavors enhanced by a vibrant tomato sauce. It might surprise some that a Southern belle can be so drawn to an authentic Spanish recipe, but culinary art knows no boundaries, and I am all in for an exciting gastronomic adventure.
Culinary Vacations to Sunny Spain
This recipe never fails to take me back to a cherished culinary vacation I enjoyed in Spain. Spanish cuisine – bursting as it is with rich, robust Mediterranean flavors was indeed an eye-opener. I was inspired by the great Chef José Andrés – a Michelin-starred chef renowned for his talent in Spanish gastronomy. The simplicity of their dishes, never complex in ingredients but always packed with flavors definitely taught me that sometimes, less is truly more.
Coastal Influences from Home
This recipe has also been influenced by my coastal roots. As a Charleston native, I’ve been raised on comfort foods with a splash of the sea. This recipe holds a familiar comfort, reminds me of my grandmother’s meatloaf, or the classic Salisbury steak with a Southern flair, but with a delightful twist, similar to transforming my classic biscuit recipe by using Spanish olive oil instead of butter. The striking balance of the savory meatballs with the tangy Spanish sauce is a love story unto itself – one that definitely deserves to be shared with everyone.
Can I just suggest how divine this dish would work with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or how heavenly it becomes when spooned generously over a bowl of al dente spaghetti? You see, it isn’t just an ordinary dish. It’s cuisine in its purest form, an invitation to the tapas culture of Spain, right at your dining table.
So why do I love Meatballs in Spanish sauce? Because it’s a tantalizing explosion of flavors bundled up together. A mouth-watering reminder that culinary art doesn’t recognise boundaries, and that a simple Spanish-inspired recipe can become an all-time favorite in a Southern kitchen as well.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 cup of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Combine the ground beef, minced garlic, 1/2 of the chopped onion, the egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Once mixed, form into small meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the remaining chopped onion. Saute until the onion is translucent and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes, red wine, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the pan. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step Four
Return the meatballs to the pan, sinking them into the tomato and onion mixture. Add the beef broth. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Turn the meatballs occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Step Five
In a small bowl, combine the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Add this to the pan, stirring well to mix it into the sauce. This will help thicken the sauce. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 10 minutes until it has reached your preferred consistency.
Step Six
Sprinkle the meatballs with the freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Meatballs in Spanish Sauce with bread or over pasta.
