Spain Albóndigas Guisadas (Stewed Spanish Meatballs)
Albóndigas guisadas, or meatballs stewed in tomato sauce, are one of many small, flavorful dishes regularly offered in Spanish tapas bars. Simple enough to make at home and versatile enough to be transformed into a larger meal with rice or pasta, albóndigas are a favorite dish throughout Spain.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp (45 g) tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
- ¼ cup (40 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Tear or cut bread slices into small pieces.
- Combine bread and milk in a large bowl and let soak for about 1 minute.
- Add ground beef to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Add egg to the mixture and incorporate fully.
- Roll mixture into palm-size meatballs.
- In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil.
- Fry meatballs until browned on the outside and cooked through. Set aside.
- Add another 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil to the skillet, if necessary, and sauté onions until soft.
- Add garlic, fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Season sauce with bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and warm together for about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot as a snack or over rice or pasta for a fuller meal.
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