Skip to main content

Mini Meatballs in Saffron Sauce

3.7

(69)

Image may contain Food Meatball Drink Alcohol Beverage Wine and Red Wine
Mini Meatballs in Saffron SauceMark Thomas

Redolent of garlic and saffron, these tiny meatballs are a sure hit at any tapas party.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 32

Ingredients

8 ounces ground pork
8 ounces ground veal
4 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg, beaten to blend
1 1/2-inch-thick slice French bread, crust removed, soaked in water 3 minutes and squeezed dry
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
All purpose flour
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
1 cup (or more) low-salt chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Mix pork, veal, 1 tablespoon parsley, half of garlic, egg, bread, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in medium bowl to blend. Shape meat mixture into 1-inch balls. Dust meatballs with flour. Set aside.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and sauté until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer meatballs to plate. Add onion to skillet; reduce heat to medium and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in paprika, then 1 cup broth and wine. Return meatballs with any accumulated juices to skillet. Bring to simmer. Cover and cook until meatballs are tender, about 25 minutes. Uncover; add 2 tablespoons parsley, remaining garlic, and saffron. Simmer until sauce thickens, turning meatballs occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer, thinning with broth if necessary.)

    Step 3

    Place meatballs with sauce on platter. Top with 1 tablespoon parsley.

Read More
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
Like lemony baked salmon and strawberry shortcake roll.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like creamy butternut squash soup and brown butter toffee chocolate chip cookies.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Double-the-mustard chicken, gingery mustard BBQ sauce, cider-dijon pork with roasted apples, and more.
Like sweet-spicy zucchini and joojeh kebab.
A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.