Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs ground pork
4 slices bacon , coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove , diced ( I use 2 if using bottled minced garlic )
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried mint
1/2 teaspoon dried epazote
1 can whole canned tomatoes
2 garlic cloves ( again , I increase if using bottled minced )
2 canned chipotle chiles
1 tablespoon adobo sauce ( from chipotle can )
2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
chicken broth or beef broth
Albondigas Al Chipotle is a Mexican dish consisting of meatballs in a smoky and spicy chipotle sauce. This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. The combination of ground pork and bacon makes the meatballs juicy and flavorful, while the chipotle sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick. This dish can be served with rice, beans, or a simple green salad on the side.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, chopped bacon, diced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, mint, and epazote.
3.Using your hands, form the mixture into about 20 meatballs.
4.Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs.
5.Cook until browned on the outside, then transfer the meatballs to a baking dish.
6.Drain the fat from the skillet, then add the canned tomatoes, garlic cloves, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, oregano, salt, and enough broth to cover the meatballs.
7.Bring the liquid to a boil, then pour it over the meatballs.
8.Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
9.Serve the meatballs with the sauce and your choice of side dish.

PROS

These meatballs are packed with flavor and are a great crowd-pleaser.
The chipotle sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick to the dish.

CONS

The dish can be high in sodium due to the canned tomatoes and broth.

It may take some time to prepare the meatballs and the sauce, but the end result is worth the effort.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Pork is a good source of protein and important vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, niacin, vitamin B12, and zinc.
The tomatoes in the chipotle sauce are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.
Chipotle chiles contain capsaicin, which has been linked to boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.

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