Baked Spanish Spinach Balls in Roasted Bell Pepper Sauce (Albond

Mami J's Note:

This is a traditional recipe from the region of Madrid, Spain's capital. For the cheese, use any mild cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack. Found on-line and posted for Zaar World Tour 5.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 400 g frozen spinach
• 1 large potato, boiled, peeled and mashed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons grated cheese
• 3 tablespoons fine breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large red bell pepper
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. ***Note, to roast the bell pepper: place on a hot, dry skillet or griddle. Cook turning often until all skin is blackened and blistered. Remove from heat and place in a plastic bag to steam. When bell pepper is cool, peel and seed.
2. Make sauce: puree the bell pepper with 1 tbs olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180 C).
4. Cook the spinach in the microwave as directed. Coarsely chop. Place in a bowl and, using your hands, mix with the mashed potato, the egg, and grated cheese.
5. Grease a baking dish with the remaining olive oil. Make small balls out of the spinach/potato mixture and place on greased dish. Sprinkle evenly with the breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden and spinach balls are heated through.
7. Serve with the roasted bell pepper sauce.

Reviews

[Paka]

These were good. I did add chopped water chestnuts for a bit of crunch, garlic and salt and pepper out of habit. They were easy to roll and the bake time was perfect. Thanks.

[dianegrapegrower]

I modified this recipe a little as I didn't need an appetizer, but could see these flavors making a lovely side dish. Made as written, but scooped into a small casserole dish and baked until golden. Delicious!

[Laureen in B.C.]

This is a very good recipe, I made half the batch with the grated cheese and half with Feta. They were both good. Thanks