Albondigas En Chipotle Recipe

So, i was hanging out in my kitchen last night and decided to mix a pound of ground pork and beef with chipotle peppers, tomatoes and a bunch of spices, and honestly, these meatball stews turned out to be my new cozy food obsession.

I think my Albondigas En Chipotle recipe is a protein-packed dish with ground pork and beef joined by an egg, breadcrumbs, milk and fresh cilantro. The chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, garlic and onion with just the right spices give every bite a solid nutritional boost that I really love.

Ingredients

• Ground pork and beef provide rich protein and a meaty base that makes the dish hearty and filling.
• The egg helps bind the ingredients together while adding extra protein and moistness.
• Fine breadcrumbs offer needed carbohydrates and a bit of texture that contrasts the meat.
• Fresh cilantro gives vitamins and a mild citrus flavor that brightens up the overall taste.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo deliver a smoky heat and tang that makes the sauce flavorful.
• Diced tomatoes bring a slight sweetness and acidity to balance the spice.
• Chicken broth enhances the flavor by deepening the sauce, making every spoonful satisfying.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano

• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, cumin, and dried oregano until just combined.

2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut, and set ’em aside.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a big pot over medium heat.

4. Add the roughly chopped medium onion and minced garlic and sauté for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.

5. Stir in the 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, mixing well into the onions.

6. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with its juice and the 4 cups of chicken broth. Then add the dried oregano and bay leaf.

7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and carefully drop in the meatballs. Try not to overcrowd the pot.

8. Let the meatballs simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes until they are cooked through.

9. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed, and remove the bay leaf.

10. Serve hot with rice or tortillas, and if you like, sprinkle a little extra chopped cilantro on top. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl for combining the meat, egg, breadcrumbs, milk and spices
2. A cutting board for chopping the onions, garlic and cilantro
3. A sharp knife to finely chop or mince the ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately measuring the milk, breadcrumbs, and spices
5. A big pot (or Dutch oven) to heat the oil, sauté the aromatics, and simmer the meatballs
6. A wooden spoon or spatula to stir and combine ingredients while cooking
7. A stove to heat and control the cooking process

FAQ

• What meats are used in this recipe?
  The meatballs are made with ground pork and ground beef, which gives it a really rich flavor.
• Can i substitute the chipotle peppers?
  You might, but if you do you’ll lose that distinctive smoky flavor. Some people use smoked paprika instead but it isnt the same.
• How do i know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
  They should be browned on all sides and feel firm. If you cut one in half, it should be cooked through with no pink in the middle.
• How spicy is this dish?
  It packs a decent amount of heat from the chipotle peppers, but you can always adjust the spicyness to your liking.
• Can i make this ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge or even freeze them, and add them to the broth when you’re ready to serve.

Albondigas En Chipotle Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you’re short on ground pork, mix in some ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of olive oil to keep it rich.
• If you dont have fine breadcrumbs, try using crushed crackers or even some dry crushed cereal.
• No milk? Use soy or almond milk instead, they work just fine in the mix.
• For fresh cilantro, you can swap in parsley, though it won’t be exactly the same flavor.
• If chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are unavailable, mix some chipotle chili powder with a touch of hot sauce or a little smoked paprika for that fiery taste.

Pro Tips

1. When mixin the meats and seasonings, try not to overwork the mixture—mix it just enough so that the meatballs stay tender. Overmixin can make ’em tough and not as yummy.

2. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot when you drop the meatballs in. Leaving enough space helps them cook evenly and stops ’em from sticking together, which could ruin the texture.

3. Give the broth some extra love by letting it simmer a bit longer if you can. Tasting as you go and adjustin the salt and pepper really makes a difference in bringing out the flavors.

4. If you’re feelin adventurous, try roastin the chipotle peppers for a minute before addin them in. It creates a smokier flavor that really ups the dish a notch.