Albondigas, or Spanish meatballs, are a beloved dish in Spain and have been enjoyed for generations. With a history that dates back to the Middle Ages, this delicious appetizer or main dish is a true representation of Spanish cuisine. The name “albondigas” comes from the Arabic word “al-bunduq,” which means hazelnut, possibly because the meatballs are small and round. Traditionally, the recipe of albondigas includes a combination of beef and pork. The meatballs are served in a tomato-based sauce. With their rich history and mouthwatering flavor, albondigas continue to be a popular dish both in Spain and around the world.
Ingredients you will need albondigas:
- Minced pork and beef — 800g
- White bread — 1 slice
- Milk — 100ml
- Eggs — 1 pc.
- Garlic — 2 cloves
- Chopped parsley — 2 tbsp.
- Onion — 50g.
- Hard cheese — 100g.
- Ground coriander — ½ tsp.
- Wheat flour — 100g.
- Dry white wine — 250ml.
- Meat broth — 500ml.
- Vegetable oil — 4 tbsp.
- Salt — 1.5 tsp.
- Ground black pepper — 1 tsp.
You will also need a pan, cutting board, and a bowl.
How to make Spanish meatballs — albondigas
Step 1. Cut off the crust of a slice of white bread and pour milk over the soft part.
Step 2. Put minced meat in a bowl, add a chicken egg, chopped garlic and parsley, grated cheese, ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp. ground black pepper, squeeze the bread and also add to the minced meat, mix everything well.
Step 3. Form small meatballs from the prepared minced meat and roll in flour.
Step 4. Heat a frying pan with vegetable oil and fry the meatballs over high heat until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Step 5. Transfer the meatballs from the skillet to a bowl.
Step 6. In the same pan, add dry white wine, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp. ground black pepper and simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
Step 7. Then add the meat broth, bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes over low heat. The broth will begin to thicken a little.
Step 8. Add the meatballs to the prepared sauce pan and bring to a boil.
Step 9. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
Step 10. Serve the albondigas meatballs with sauce, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Advice: If the albondigas turned out to be spicy, then sour cream or Greek yogurt will help soften the spiciness, which is quite appropriate in this dish.
