Meatballs with Romesco sauce

Meatballs with Romesco sauce:

These entertainer bite-size wonders can be paired with a variety of sauces, but here’s a delicious Spanish combination boasting Mediterranean flavours that are sure to be a hit at your upcoming party.

The choice of meat for your meatballs is entirely yours; I’ve opted for a blend of beef and pork paired with a luscious red capsicum sauce.

This recipe is a mouthwatering combination and yet another versatile recipe that can be presented as a main dish or elegantly served on ceramic spoons for a touch of sophistication.

As these flavourful morsels make their way around the room, your guests will be feasting with their eyes.

Consider adding these to your favourites and showcasing them at your next family celebration.

I have used ready made meatballs here to make it even simpler but for more flavour, if you have the time, make your own.

See Recipe below.

Delicious meatballs served with a Spanish red pepper sauce, try these elegant appetisers today.

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Meatballs with Romesco sauce

(Serves 24 Prep 30 Mins)

Ingredients

If using store bought ready made meatballs (as I have here) then buy packs of 20- 24 meatballs otherwise I have included my meatball recipe below. Note though that if you are making your own meatballs, then that will add time to your Prep. If you plan on having just 2 or 3 different canapés, it stands to reason that you might want to make your own, however if you are having a number of different canapés & appetisers you need to factor in time.

Meatballs

1KG beef or pork mince or 500g of each

1 egg lightly beaten

3 cloves garlic minced

½ tsp sweet paprika

½ tsp hot paprika

Salt

Black pepper

2Tbsp finely chopped parsley

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan

2 Tbsp breadcrumbs or Panko

Olive oil 2 inches deep in wok

Romesco Sauce

2 red capsicums charred & peeled

3 Roma tomatoes charred & peeled

½ cup blanched almonds

½ cup hazelnuts or pine nuts

4 cloves garlic peeled

2 Tbsp Parmesan

2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

pinch salt

1 tsp smoked paprika

3 Tbsp olive oil

Fresh oregano to garnish

Other items

24 ceramic soup spoons

Method

Meatballs

Add 1 kg beef or pork mince to a large bowl

add egg, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, Parmesan and parsley

Use gloves and mix together with your hands to ensure all ingredients are well combined

Roll a heaped teaspoon at a time into balls about the size of a walnut

Roll balls in breadcrumbs and set aside on a plate

When all the mixture is rolled into balls, heat oil in a wok 

When bubbles start to appear on bottom, test with a wooden spoon

Add ½ dozen meatballs at once and cook until golden

Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with a paper towel

cook in batches of 6 until all the meatball mixture is gone

Romesco Sauce

Char grill capsicums on open flame (gas stove top or bbq grill plate)

Char grill tomatoes the same way

Alternatively bake in oven with a little olive oil for 30mins and turn 1/2 way through

Cool and peel

add to blender or processor bowl

Add nuts, garlic and remainder of ingredients and blend to a thick pulp

serve 2 teaspoons of sauce on each ceramic spoon

Place a meatball on each spoon

Garnish with oregano

Serve and enjoy!!

Helpful Hints

You can prepare meatballs and Romesco 1 or 2 days before hand and store in airtight container in the fridge & serve cold or heat sauce up in microwave & meatballs in oven or airfryer

You can change the flavouring of your meatballs and add oregano or Italian herbs instead of paprika

You can use just pork mince or just beef mince but the pork and beef work well together

You have a range of options with the nuts in the romesco or you could omit the nuts and add Parmesan

Don’t make the meatballs too big as they have more of a tendency to fall apart

You could use Gluten Free breadcrumbs or Panko

Alternatively, you could buy frozen meatballs and cook them in oven or air fryer

You could buy store bought Romesco as well if you don’t have the time to make this recipe yourself

You can get ceramic spoons or white ceramic spoons online or visit your local Asian store

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Garnacha (Grenache): Garnacha’s fruity and slightly spicy profile complements the savoury notes of the meatballs, while its moderate tannins work well with the richness of the Romesco sauce.

Tempranillo: Tempranillo’s versatility makes it a good match for meatballs, and its subtle earthiness can complement the complexity of the Romesco sauce.

Syrah/Shiraz: The smokiness in Syrah/Shiraz can enhance the flavours of the Romesco sauce, and its bold profile can stand up to the richness of the meatballs.

Spotlight

Red Capsicum

Red capsicum, a vibrant addition to your diet, is rich in essential nutrients such as Vitamin A and C.

Vitamin C, found abundantly in red capsicum, serves as a potent antioxidant, playing a pivotal role in fortifying the immune system. It not only helps combat cell damage but also effectively fights inflammation, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Moreover, the red and purple pigments present in fruits and vegetables, including red capsicum, contain anthocyanin, a compound known for its brain-protective properties. These pigmented varieties have been linked to shielding brain cells and supporting cognitive function.

In addition to its immune-boosting and brain-protective qualities, red capsicum also contributes to aesthetic aspects of health. Vitamin C, as present in red capsicum, is crucial for collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and overall skin health. Furthermore, it plays a role in hair growth, making red capsicum a valuable addition for those looking to enhance both inner and outer vitality.

Consider incorporating red capsicum into your meals to not only elevate the flavour profile but also to harness its diverse health benefits.

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