Lamb Meatballs with Mint

• Recipe by Jeff Koehler

The bar at Seville's Enrique Becerra restaurant serves a standout tapa, Albóndigas de Cordero a la Hierbabuena, meatballs made with the classic combination of lamb and mint.

Ingredients

1. 1 pound lean ground lamb
2. 1 egg, lightly beaten
3. 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
4. 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
6. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
7. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
8. 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
9. 1/2 cup dry white wine
10. 1/2 cup beef broth
11. 1 cup tomato puree

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the lamb with the egg, bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon of the mint. Season with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
2. Heat the olive oil in a very large skillet. Add the meatballs and fry over moderately high heat until browned all over, about 4 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of mint and puree.
4. Return the onion puree to the skillet. Add the broth, tomato puree and meatballs and simmer over low heat until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes

If you can't find ground lamb, buy boneless lamb steaks, cut them into small chunks and grind them in a food processor.