Albondigas (Traditional Cuban Meatballs)

Posted by On December 03, 2016 0 Comment
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Albondigas - Cuban Meatballs - Cuban Recipes - Caribbean Recipes

Albondigas / Cuban Meatballs (Courtesy @silvia_pasionserrana | Instagram)

 
Meatballs, loved universally, can be found around the world in places like Italy, Sweden, and in this case – Cuba. This traditional recipe for Cuban Meatballs or Albondigas, includes surprising ingredients like mustard and milk. Once fried, the meatballs are bathed in a rich tomato sauce with sugar and dry wine. 
(Serves 8)

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.7 lb. Ground Beef
  • 2 tbsp. minced Onion
  • 2 tbsp. finely chopped Red or Green Bell Pepper
  • ¼ cup Milk
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1/8 tsp. Ground Pepper
  • 1 tsp. Mustard
  • 3 Eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Bread or Cracker Crumbs
  • Flour
  • Oil for frying

FOR THE SAUCE

  • ¼ cup Lard or Butter
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Onion, finely diced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, finely diced
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 1/3 cup Ketchup
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 tsp. granulated Sugar
  • ½ cup Dry Wine

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large bowl, stir well to combine the beef, onion, bell pepper, milk, salt, pepper and mustard. Add the beaten eggs and the bread or cracker crumbs and stir very well.
  2. Shape the beef mixture into balls. Roll the balls lightly in flour.
  3. Heat a small amount of oil in a large frying pan and stir fry the meatballs until browned. Set aside.
  4. Heat the lard or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and the bell pepper and sauté for a few minutes.
  5. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir well. Reduce the burner to low heat, carefully ladle the meatballs into the sauce, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Serve hot.
Adapted from Cuban Food Recipes

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