How to Make Spanish Albóndigas de Pollo con Salsa de Almendra: Chicken Meatballs in Almond Sauce

• - 1. What is Albóndigas de Pollo?
• - 2. Ingredients Needed for Chicken Meatballs with Almond Sauce
• - 3. How to Prepare the Chicken Meatballs
• - 4. Making the Almond Sauce
• - 5. Putting It All Together: Cooking Albóndigas de Pollo con Salsa de Almendra
• - 6. Tips and Variations for Perfect Albóndigas

1. What is Albóndigas de Pollo?

Albóndigas de Pollo, or Spanish chicken meatballs, are a popular dish in Spanish cuisine, offering a lighter variation of the traditional beef or pork meatballs. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, then shaped into bite-sized balls and cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce. In this recipe, the meatballs are paired with a creamy and nutty almond sauce, known as salsa de almendra, which elevates the dish and gives it a distinctive Spanish flair.

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2. Ingredients Needed for Chicken Meatballs with Almond Sauce

To make Albóndigas de Pollo con Salsa de Almendra at home, you'll need the following ingredients:

• For the Chicken Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Almond Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup almonds (blanched or roasted)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

3. How to Prepare the Chicken Meatballs

Start by preparing the chicken meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Once the mixture is ready, form it into small, bite-sized meatballs.

Next, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook them for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are evenly browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside to make the sauce.

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4. Making the Almond Sauce

To make the almond sauce, start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the almonds to the skillet. You can either use whole blanched almonds or roasted almonds for added flavor. Allow them to toast for a minute or two until fragrant. Then, add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Once the sauce is simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and use an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a regular blender) to purée the sauce until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Putting It All Together: Cooking Albóndigas de Pollo con Salsa de Almendra

Once the almond sauce is ready, carefully place the browned chicken meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the creamy almond sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through.

Check the meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked, and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Albóndigas de Pollo with Salsa de Almendra hot, garnished with fresh parsley or toasted almonds for extra flavor and crunch.

6. Tips and Variations for Perfect Albóndigas

Here are a few tips and variations to make your Albóndigas de Pollo con Salsa de Almendra even more delicious:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of saffron or a dash of sherry to the sauce for an authentic Spanish twist.
• For a lighter version: Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option while still retaining the rich flavors.
• Serve with: Albóndigas de Pollo pair wonderfully with a side of rice, crusty bread, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the almond sauce.

Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Albóndigas de Pollo con Salsa de Almendra is sure to impress with its delicious combination of tender chicken meatballs and creamy, nutty sauce. The dish not only highlights the beauty of Spanish flavors but also offers a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion.