Albondigas de Pavo (Spanish Style Turkey Meatballs)

By Chef Robert Partida
Servings
10

Ingredients

2 lbs GROUND TURKEY

1/2 c dried Italian bread crumbs

2 shallots, fine dice

6 Cloves garlic, fine dice

2 tsp Nyora chilis, finely ground

3 Large eggs, beaten

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried thyme

To taste kosher salt and white pepper

3 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, fine diced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 Medium onion, medium dice

1/4 c diced garlic

2 tbsp dried thyme

To taste kosher salt and white pepper

32 oz canned plum tomatoes

1/2 c diced roasted red peppers, preferably piquillos

1 tsp dried oregano

3 tbsp diced fresh parsley

3 tbsp smokey Spanish paprika

As needed chiffonade parsley

As needed red pepper brunoise

Directions

Turkey Meatballs

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients together. Using a number 16 scoop (2 ounces) or by hand, shape into 2-inch balls and place on lightly greased sheet pans.

Roast for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Remove from oven and hold for service.

Sofrito (Smoky Tomato Sauce)

In a medium stockpot, heat oil. Sauté onions in oil until caramelized, stirring frequently for about 15 minutes.

Add garlic and thyme and cook only until garlic is fragrant. Season mixture with salt and pepper; stirring often, cook another 5 minutes over a low heat.

Stir in tomatoes and diced red peppers. Cook for another 45 minutes over a low heat stirring often. Add remaining ingredients.

Yield: about 1 quart sauce.

Service

For each tapa serving, plate 3 meatballs with tomato sauce in a cazuela. Garnish with chiffonade parsley and red pepper brunoise.