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Albóndigas in Chipotle Tomato Sauce

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These albóndigas are tender rice-filled meatballs simmered in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and warm spices. This comforting Mexican-inspired dish is flavorful, hearty, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped mint (or cilantro)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lb meatloaf mix (or half 80% lean ground beef/half ground pork, or all of one or the other)
  • 1¼ cups (packed) cooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted, with their juice
  • 1 canned chipotle en adobo pepper (or two if they are small)
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce from the can of chipotle en adobo
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the egg with the mint, garlic, oregano, cumin, and salt. Add the meatloaf mix and cooked rice, then mix with your hands until evenly combined.
  2. Wet your hands and roll the mixture into 1½-in (4-cm) balls, re-wetting your hands as needed to prevent sticking. You should have about 12 meatballs.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned all over, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. While the meatballs brown, prepare the sauce by blending the tomatoes, chipotle pepper, chipotle sauce, oregano, garlic, broth or water, salt, and sugar until coarsely pureed.
  5. Pour the sauce evenly over the browned meatballs, making sure they are coated. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 10 minutes more until the meatballs are cooked through.
  6. Serve the albóndigas warm with the chipotle tomato sauce.

Notes

  • Ground beef, ground pork, or a combination can be used for the meat mixture.
  • Fresh cilantro can be substituted for mint.
  • Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spice level.
  • Serve with extra rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/albondigas-in-chipotle-tomato-sauce/