Ingredients

1 small onion , finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
2 small carrots , finely diced
olive oil
2 sprigs thyme
1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tins plum tomatoes , drained
1 orange , zest and juice
3/4 cup chicken stock
oregano , to serve
1 1/2 lbs ground pork
2 eggs
3 garlic cloves , finely chopped
1 small shallot , finely chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
2 tablespoons oregano , chopped
Tapas Pork Meatballs With Tomato & Orange Sauce is a dish that originates from Spain. It is a traditional tapas dish, which are small plates of food that are meant to be shared. The meatballs are made with ground pork that is seasoned with garlic, cumin, paprika and oregano. They are then pan-fried until golden brown and served with a tomato and orange sauce that is sweet and tangy. This dish is perfect for parties, gatherings or as a main course for dinner or lunch.

Instructions

1.To make the meatballs, put the ground pork in a bowl and add the eggs. Mix well.
2.Add the chopped garlic and shallot, cumin, sweet smoked paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3.With wet hands, shape the pork mixture into small meatballs. Set aside.
4.In a large saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic cloves and finely diced carrots. Stir and cook for a few minutes until soft and fragrant.
5.Add the sweet smoked paprika and thyme. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly.
6.Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half. Then add the drained plum tomatoes, orange zest and juice, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
7.Once the sauce is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
8.In the meantime, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them frequently until they are browned and cooked through.
9.Serve the meatballs with the tomato and orange sauce. Sprinkle with some fresh oregano leaves.

PROS

These meatballs are full of flavor, with a touch of sweetness from the orange sauce.

They are great as a tapas dish or as a main course with some crusty bread or mashed potatoes on the side.

CONS

The dish does require a bit of prep and cooking time, so it may not be ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

Also, ground pork can be quite fatty, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Ground pork is a good source of protein, vitamin B12 and zinc. It also contains selenium, a mineral that is essential for the immune system.
The orange sauce provides a good amount of vitamin C, which is important for skin health and immune function.
However, the dish does contain a fair amount of salt, so it should be consumed in moderation by those who are watching their sodium intake.

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