Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Spanish Albondigas Lamb Meatballs in Brandy Sauce

Cordero Albondigas (Lamb Meatballs in Brandy Sauce)

These simple lamb meatballs have become a family favorite in the MHT household. They also make a nice tapas. These could very well be the best meatballs you've ever eaten.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Tapas
Cuisine: Spanish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Author: My Hungry Traveler

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Large skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Ground lamb
  • 2 large Egg
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp Flat-leaf parsley, minced
  • 1 tbsp Mint, chopped or dried (optional)
  • 2 tsp Coarsely ground pepper
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup Red wine
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup Brandy or Dry Sherry
  • 3 tbsp Tomato sauce
  • 1 cup Beef broth
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Make Meatballs - In a large bowl, combine wine with breadcrumbs. Once softened, mix in lamb meat with eggs, garlic, salt and pepper. With your hands, form 12 meatballs per-pound of meat. If using for tapas or a cocktail party, roll into about 30 smaller balls or-so per pound of meat.
  • Cook Albondigas - Heat oil in a large casserole over medium-high heat and brown meatballs on all sides in batches. Once brown, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until wilted. Pour in brandy and deglaze bottom of pan. From a distance, light brandy on fire to burn off its alcohol. When flame has subsided, add back meatballs and mix in broth, mint, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook over low heat for 45 minutes.
  • Serve - Place everything in a serving bowl and serve with mashed potatoes or rice, along with a green vegetable and crusty bread. If using as a tapas, place in a crockpot to keep warm and keep plenty of crusty bread around for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • Traditional recipe is made with lamb but meatballs may be made with ground beef, pork, or chicken thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 413kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 936mg | Potassium: 365mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg