Keto albondigas is a tasty way to enjoy traditional Mexican flavors while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly. This recipe yields eight delicious meatballs flavored with cumin and paprika in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound ground beef
* ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
* one teaspoon of cumin
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
* two cloves garlic, minced
* one large egg
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, diced
* four cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups passata or crushed tomatoes (with no added sugar)
* ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
* one teaspoon of smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the ground beef, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Using wet hands (or an ice cream scoop), roll the mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter. You should have 8-10 meatballs total. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set it aside while you make the sauce.
- Heat up the olive oil in a big skillet over mid level heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook it until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the passata or crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, smoked paprika and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then minimize the heat to low level and let it simmer for almost 10 minutes.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the sauce one at a time, ensuring they are completely submerged in the sauce. Cover with a lid and allow them to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until cooked.
- Serve over steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice or your favorite keto-friendly side dish.
- Store any remaining keto albondigas in an airtight jar in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you have time, allow the meatballs to sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them keep their shape much better as they cook.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder will work fine.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices used in this recipe according to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Keto albondigas are deliciously served with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or your favorite keto-friendly side dish. They also make a great filling for low-carb tacos or burritos.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I make keto albondigas ahead of time?
A: Yes! This is an awesome recipe to make ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as written. Make sure you use gluten-free broth if needed.
Q: What should I serve with these keto albondigas?
A: Serve them over steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice or your favorite keto-friendly side dish for an easy and delicious meal! Enjoy!
Q: Can these be frozen for later use?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs for later use. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze it untill solid, then transfer them to an air-tight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or skillet when ready to eat.
Q: Are there any vegetarian options for keto albondigas?
A: Yes! You can make vegan or vegetarian versions by replacing ground beef with crumbled tofu or lentils. Be sure to adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
Q: What is passata or crushed tomatoes?
A: Passata (also known as strained tomatoes) is a type of tomato sauce that has been pre-cooked and strained, with the skins and seeds removed. Crushed tomatoes are whole peeled tomatoes that have been diced into small pieces. Both make for great sauces in this recipe!
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of eggs?
A: You can use ½ cup of plain breadcrumbs instead of an egg to bind the ingredients together. However, we recommend using an egg if possible for the best results.
CONCLUSION:
This keto albondigas recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite! It’s easy, delicious, and full of traditional Mexican flavors that everyone will love. Serve it over steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice or your favorite keto-friendly side dish. It’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.