Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Gibraltar with our tantalizing Albondigas. These savory meatballs, infused with Mediterranean spices and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, offer a delightful culinary journey. Served piping hot and paired perfectly with crusty bread or aromatic rice, each bite captures the essence of traditional Gibraltar cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a hearty appetizer or a comforting main course, our Albondigas promise to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more of this delectable Mediterranean delight.

Here's a recipe for Gibraltar Albondigas:

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 500g ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.

2- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs:

1- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2- Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.

3- Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.

4- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

1- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

2- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

3- Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

4- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Combine and Serve:

1- Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.

2- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.

3- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the meatballs before serving.

5- Serve the Gibraltar Albondigas hot, either as an appetizer with crusty bread or as a main dish with rice or potatoes.

Enjoy your delicious Gibraltar Albondigas!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Gibraltar Albondigas recipe, per serving:

For the Meatballs (per serving):

Ground beef (100g):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Onion (1 small):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supports heart health, and boosts immunity.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties, supports heart health, and may help lower blood pressure.

Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g

benefits:Provide fiber and carbohydrates for energy.

Egg (1):

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g

benefits:High in protein and essential amino acids, supports muscle growth and repair.

Olive oil (for frying):

• Calories: 120 (approximately, depending on amount used)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

Paprika, cumin, salt, pepper:

• Negligible calories

benefits:

1- Paprika: Contains antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and C, boosts immunity and supports healthy skin.

2- Cumin: Source of antioxidants and may aid digestion and improve blood sugar control.

Salt and pepper: Enhance flavor; however, should be consumed in moderation.

For the Sauce (per serving):

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 (approximately, depending on amount used)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Provides healthy fats and antioxidants, supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

Onion (1):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, supports heart health, and boosts immunity.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties, supports heart health, and may help lower blood pressure.

Diced tomatoes (1 can - 400g):

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

benefits:High in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and lycopene, supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Paprika, oregano, salt, pepper:

• Negligible calories

benefits:

1- Paprika: Contains antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and C, boosts immunity and supports healthy skin.

2- Oregano: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supports digestion and may have antimicrobial properties.

3- Salt and pepper: Enhance flavor; however, should be consumed in moderation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands used and variations in ingredient sizes. Additionally, the nutritional information provided does not include any additional ingredients or side dishes that may be served with the Gibraltar Albondigas.