Ingredients

  • MEATBALLS
  • 400 g ground beef
  • 400 g ground pork
  • 50 g stale bread, crusts removed (2 slices)
  • milk
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons minced onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • flour
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • SAUCE
  • 40 g almonds, blanched and skinned
  • 1 slice bread, cubed (25g)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (*can use oil from frying of meatballs)
  • 10 peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron
  • 1 clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 150 ml white wine
  • 250 ml meat stock or 250 ml chicken stock
  • TO SERVE
  • lemon juice
  • chopped parsley
  • slivered fried onions

Method

  • Combine the meats in a bowl.
  • Soak the bread in enough milk to cover until soft.
  • Squeeze dry, and add to the meat along with the garlic, onion, parsley, salt, nutmeg and egg.
  • Knead well to make a smooth mixture.
  • Form into small balls.
  • Roll them in flour and fry very slowly in medium to hot oil until browned on all sides.
  • Remove and drain.
  • *The oil can be strained, and used for the 3 tablespoons needed in the sauce.
  • SAUCE: Fry the almonds, bread and garlic in the oil until golden.
  • Remove.
  • In a mortar, crush the peppercorns, saffron, clove and salt.
  • Place this in a food processor and add the almond/bread/garlic mix and wine.
  • Pulse to a smooth paste.
  • Combine this mixture, 3 tablespoons of oil, and the stock.
  • Bring to the boil, then add the fried meatballs.
  • Simmer the meatballs for 20 minutes in the sauce, adding a little more liquid if needed.
  • TO SERVE: Squeeze over some lemon juice to taste, sprinkle with the chopped parsley and slivered almonds.