Ingredients

1 cup onion , finely chopped , divided and used in the sauce
1/4 cup bell pepper , finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , minced
olive oil , for frying , virgin Spanish olive oil preferred
2 slices stale bread , crusts removed
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
2 tablespoons parsley , fresh chopped
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg , beaten
salt , to taste
black pepper , fresh ground , to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour , approximate
2 tablespoons olive oil , virgin Spanish olive oil preferred
1/2 red bell pepper , thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves , minced
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2/3 cup dry sherry
1 cup chicken broth
parsley , chopped fresh
Albondigas in Sherry Pepper Sauce is a traditional Spanish meatball dish, typically served as an appetizer or a main course. The name 'albondigas' is derived from the Arabic word 'al-bunduq', meaning 'the hazelnut', which refers to the size and shape of the meatballs. The dish has been passed down from generation to generation, and the recipe varies by region and family. In Andalusia, where the sherry wine is produced, it’s common to add both dry sherry and sweet wine to the sauce, giving it a more complex flavor and aroma. In some places, the meatballs are made with a combination of beef, pork, and veal, or even fish or shrimp. Albondigas in Sherry Pepper Sauce is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste and preference.

Instructions

1.To make the meatballs, soak the bread in water until it’s softened. Drain the bread and squeeze out any excess liquid.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread, ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, gently beaten egg, parsley, paprika, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
3.Mix all ingredients thoroughly but avoid over-mixing to prevent tough meatballs.
4.Shape the meat mixture into medium-sized balls, approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
5.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6.Coat the meatballs with flour and brown them in the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the skillet.
7.Remove the meatballs from the skillet as they brown and set them aside on a plate.
8.In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
9.Add the sliced bell pepper and minced garlic and sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
10.Add 2 teaspoons of paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Sauté for another minute.
11.Sprinkle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of flour and stir well to combine.
12.Pour in the dry sherry and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth.
13.Add the browned meatballs back into the skillet and simmer everything together over low heat until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through.
14.Serve hot, topped with fresh chopped parsley.

PROS

Albondigas in Sherry Pepper Sauce is flavorful and easy to prepare, it’s a perfect dish to impress your guests with.

The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the rich sauce has a delicious smoky flavor with a little bit of spiciness from the cayenne pepper and paprika.

It’s a great one-pan meal that’s suitable for various occasions like parties, potlucks, or even a family dinner.

You can also make it ahead and reheat the meatballs in the sauce when ready to serve.

CONS

This dish is relatively high in fat and calories due to the use of ground beef and pork.

The preparation of the meatballs requires some time and effort, especially if you make them from scratch.

It may not be suitable for strict vegetarians or those with religious dietary restrictions.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Albondigas in Sherry Pepper Sauce has some nutritional values, it’s high in protein, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.
The use of bell pepper in the recipe provides a good source of antioxidants and fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
However, the dish contains a significant amount of saturated fat and sodium, so it’s recommended to consume in moderation, especially for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.

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