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Spanish-Style Meatballs in Almond Sauce

Tender meatballs with a hint of nutmeg nestled in a pool of creamy almond sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Tapas
Cuisine: Spanish
Keyword: almond sauce, appetizer, classic Spanish recipes, meatballs, tapas
Servings: 30 meatballs
Calories: 95kcal

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 55 grams white or brown bread crusts removed
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 454 grams lean ground pork
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove crushed
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley plus extra for garnish
  • 1 egg beaten
  • freshly grated nutmeg
  • salt and pepper
  • flour for coating
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • squeeze of lemon juice

Almond Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 25 grams white or brown bread torn into pieces
  • 115 grams blanched almonds
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • ½ tsp saffron
  • 150 ml dry white wine
  • 425 ml vegetable stock
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

  • In a large bowl, soak the bread in the water for 5 minutes. Using your hand, squeeze out the water. Dry the bowl, then add the bread, pork, onion, garlic, parsley and egg. Season well with grated nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Spread some flour on a plate. With flour dusted hands, shape the mixture into about 30 equal sized meatballs, rolling each meatball in the flour to lightly coat.
  • Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning the meatballs to brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes a batch.
    Once browned, removed from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Almond Sauce

  • Add the saffron threads to the wine and set aside.
  • Wipe out the skillet. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over med heat. Add the bread and almonds to the skillet, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for another 30-45 seconds. Add the wine and let boil for 1-2 minutes.
    Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Transfer the almond mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the vegetable stock and blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Return the sauce to the skillet and gently add the meatballs. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 25-30 minute, turning them occasionally.

To Serve

  • Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a warmed serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
    Serve with chunks of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Notes

The meatballs and almond sauce can be made ahead of time, they reheat beautifully. I think they actually taste better the next day!
Delicious served as part of a tapas or over rice as a main dish.  

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatball | Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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