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Visit Andaucia Best Travel Platform Spain
Visit Andalucia Logo
Visit Andaucia Best Travel Platform Spain

Recipes from Andalucia

By Nick Nutter

Spanish Meatballs

Spanish meatballs are a great idea for supper on a winters evening. Or serve as a tapas. Traditionally eaten with crusty baguette rather than pasta.

Spanish Meatballs

Preparation Time: 25 mins Cooking Time: 45 mins Total Time: 70 mins
Serves: 8 Difficulty: Easy Suitable for: Meat and Fish eaters

Ingredients

  • 400 gm lean minced beef
  • 300 gm minced pork
  • 6 canned anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
  • 25 gm breadcrumbs
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 kg tomatoes, skinned and chopped
  • 150 ml white wine
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomato paste
  • 3 teaspoons mild sweet paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Method

1. Put the beef, pork and anchovies, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor and mix to form a thick, smooth paste. (Alternatively, mix by hand.) Shape the mixture into small balls about 3cm across.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan and gently fry the meatballs, shaking the pan frequently, for about 10 minutes until they are browned all over. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon.
3. Add the onion to the pan and fry gently until softened. Stir in the tomatoes, wine, bay leaves, tomato paste, paprika, the remaining oil and a little salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until thick and pulpy.
4. Tip the meatballs into the pan and heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.