Mini Meatballs in Saffron Sauce
Cocktail Meatballs Recipe - Appetizer Recipe

Recipe from Bon Appetite Magazine, October 2002. Everyone loves these meatballs and will beg you to make more "next" time.
 

Recipe Type: Appetizers, Veal, Pork, Saffron
Yields: 32 mini meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min

Ingredients:

1 1/2-inch-thick slice French bread, crust removed
8 ounces ground pork
8 ounces ground veal
4 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1 large egg, beaten to blend
1 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
All purpose flour
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
1 cup (or more) low-salt chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads*

* To purchase Saffron for your cooking needs, click on the underlined. .

Preparation:

In a small bowl, soak French bread in water 3 minutes and then squeeze dry.

In a large bowl, mix together pork, veal, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 clove minced garlic, egg, soaked bread, salt, and pepper to blend. Shape meat mixture into 1-inch balls. Dust meatballs with flour. Set aside.

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and sauté until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer meatballs to plate.

Add onion to skillet; reduce heat to medium and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in paprika, chicken broth, and wine.

Return meatballs with any accumulated juices to skillet; bring to simmer. Cover and cook until meatballs are tender, about 25 minutes. Uncover; add 2 tablespoons parsley, remaining minced garlic, and saffron. Simmer until sauce thickens, turning meatballs occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

NOTE: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer, thinning with broth if necessary.

Place meatballs with sauce on platter to serve. Top with remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.

Makes about 32 mini meatballs.