Ingredients

2/3 pound ground beef
1/3 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons minced green onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 clove garlic , minced
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce , or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 1/2 ounces fresh white bread crumbs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 1/2 ounces pancetta , chopped
3 tablespoons minced onion
1 clove garlic , minced
2 tablespoons minced carrot
2 tablespoons minced celery
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
2 grinds ground black pepper
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons tomato puree
1 can Italian plum tomatoes , chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , or as needed
Spanish Albondigas are a traditional meatball dish often served as a tapa in Spain. This recipe takes this classic dish to the next level by combining the meatballs with a hearty Mediterranean-style sauce that is bursting with flavor. The meatballs are made from a mixture of beef and pork seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, while the sauce is packed with vegetables, white wine, and tomato. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends, and can be served with crusty bread and a side salad.

Instructions

1.Combine ground beef, ground pork, green onion, oregano, parsley, 1 clove minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and bread crumbs in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
2.Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
3.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
4.Add pancetta to the same skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the fat has rendered, about 3 minutes. Remove pancetta and set aside.
5.Add onion, garlic, carrot, celery, red bell pepper, basil, dried oregano, coriander, and black pepper to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
6.Pour in the white wine and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
7.Add tomato puree and canned tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
8.Return the meatballs and pancetta to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes.
9.Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes.
10.Serve hot with crusty bread and a side salad.

PROS

This hearty Mediterranean-style meatball dish is packed with protein and flavor.

It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that will satisfy the whole family.

CONS

This dish contains red meat and may not be suitable for those on a low-fat or vegetarian diet.

It also contains white wine which may not be suitable for those who avoid alcohol.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The beef and pork in this recipe are excellent sources of dietary protein, and the vegetables in the sauce are packed with vitamins and minerals. This dish is also rich in healthy fats from the olive oil which may help to reduce inflammation and support heart health.

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