How to Prepare Albondigas: A Delicious Spanish Comfort Food
Albondigas, also known as meatballs, are a beloved Spanish comfort food that can be found in many households across the globe. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are typically served in a rich, savory broth and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side. If you’re looking to prepare a delicious batch of albóndigas, follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Before you begin preparing your albóndigas, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup chopped onions
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes
Preparation
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onions, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the mixture into small, round balls. The size is up to you, but typically, albóndigas are about the size of a golf ball.
3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shaped meatballs to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once the meatballs are browned, add the chicken or beef broth to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the albóndigas simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the broth has thickened slightly.
6. Optional: If you’d like to add a bit of heat to your albóndigas, stir in the paprika or red pepper flakes during the last few minutes of simmering.
7. Serve the albóndigas hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a slice of lemon, if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade Spanish comfort food!
