Editorial sample recipeSpanishintermediatehalaldairy-free

Spanish Garlic And Almond Braised Lamb Meatballs

Name: Spanish Garlic And Almond Braised Lamb Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 450 g ground lamb; 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg, beaten; 0.33 cup raw blanched almonds; 4 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika; 1.5 cup halal beef broth; 2 tbsp olive oil

Tender halal lamb meatballs simmered in a silky picada sauce made from toasted almonds, garlic, and sweet smoked paprika.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 45 min

Technique to learn

Picada thickening

A traditional Spanish cooking technique where toasted nuts, garlic, and aromatics are ground into a fine paste and stirred into broth to naturally thicken and flavor sauces.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, half of the minced garlic, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then shape into 12 uniform meatballs.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes, then transfer them to a plate.

Step 3: In the same skillet, toast the blanched almonds and remaining garlic over medium heat until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Transfer toasted almonds and garlic to a food processor or mortar with 2 tablespoons of beef broth, processing into a smooth picada paste.

Step 5: Pour the remaining beef broth and smoked paprika into the skillet, stirring in the almond picada paste until a smooth sauce forms.

Step 6: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until cooked through and sauce is thickened.

Cooking tips

Do not let the almonds burn while frying, as bitter almonds will spoil the silky picada sauce.
Serve alongside warm crusty bread to scoop up the extra almond sauce.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Spanish; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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