Chicken Meatballs with Almond Sauce - Albóndigas de pollo en salsa de almendras
This easy chicken meatballs with almond sauce recipe is the ultimate party pleaser. A classic recipe from Spain (called Albóndigas de pollo en salsa de almendras), you’ll find it served as a tapas or even as a main meal.
Equipment
- 12 inch skillet
- Glass bowl (Pryrex) or similar
- Box Grater (for making breadcrumbs)
- Food processor (for making the almond sauce)
- Sieve (optional)
- Small pot (for heating the stock)
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 16 oz/450 g ground chicken mince or turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese
- Splash of Extra virgin olive oil optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Almond sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 slices of baguette around ½ inch thick
- ¾ cups blanched almonds
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- ⅔ cup dry white wine
- 1 ¾ cups vegetable stock/broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix all the meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl.16 oz/450 g ground chicken mince, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese, Splash of Extra virgin olive oil, Salt and pepper
- Roll the mixture into small balls (1 inch/2.5cm) and place on a plate. (You should get around 20-25 balls at 1-inch/2.5cm or around 15 balls if they are about 2 inches/5cm).
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil and fry the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, rolling them around the pan so they cook evenly. They should start to brown slightly.
- Once lightly browned, remove from the pan and set aside for use later.
Step 2 - Prepare the Almond Sauce
- Prepare and heat your stock in a small pot.1 ¾ cups vegetable stock/broth
- Heat some oil in the skillet on medium-high heat. Add the bread slices and almonds, and cook stirring frequently until they are golden brown.2 Tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil, 3-4 slices of baguette, ¾ cups blanched almonds
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant.2 large garlic cloves
- Reduce heat to medium and pour in the wine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.⅔ cup dry white wine, Salt and pepper
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up the bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce mixture into a food processor. Pour in the vegetable stock and blend mixture until smooth. (for extra smooth, run the mixture through a sieve to remove any husks from the almonds).
Step 3 - Heat Meatballs in Sauce
- Return the almond sauce to the skillet on medium heat and add the meatballs. Simmer for 12-15 minutes stirring frequently until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked.