Spanish Meatballs

Step 1

Add breadcrumbs, milk, and finely chopped onion to a large bowl; stir until well combined and let stand 5 minutes.

Step 2

To breadcrumb mixture, add pork, beef, eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg and parsley. Knead mixture gently until thoroughly combined (do not overwork or your meatballs will be tough). Cover and refrigerate while you make the sauce (about 40 minutes).

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion and carrot; cook and stir until softened and starting to brown, 5-7 minutes. Add paprika, tomatoes plus ¼ cup of their juice and brandy. Increase heat to high; cook and stir 1 minute, or until reduced slightly. Stir in wine and chicken stock and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Partially cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.

Step 4

Puree half of the sauce in a standard blender and return to saucepan. Or puree half of the sauce right in the saucepan with an immersion blender. Place over low heat to keep warm while you prepare the meatballs. (Add chicken stock as needed if sauce is getting too thick.)

Step 5

To make the meatballs, spread a thin layer of flour on a large plate and set a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet nearby. Use a teaspoon or 1-tablespoon scoop to portion meatball mixture into about 1 ¼-inch diameter ragged portions and place side by side on baking sheet. Gently roll each ragged portion between between cupped hands into a ball, returning meatballs to baking sheet as you go. Then gently roll each meatball in flour, shaking off any excess and return to baking sheet.

Step 6

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of meatballs and brown on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to bowl. Repeat with remaining olive oil and meatballs.

Step 7

Add ⅓ cup water to empty skillet; cook and stir, scraping up any brown bits and add to sauce.

Step 8

Add browned meatballs and any accumulated liquid to sauce and gently stir to combine; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer 5 to 7 minutes to cook meatballs through completely. Remove from heat to cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Transfer meatballs and sauce to cazuela or other shallow serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve.