Chipotle Appetizer Meatballs

Times are approximate.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• Sauce

• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 4  cloves garlic, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  cup tomato sauce
• 2  cups beef broth
• 1⁄4 cup chipotle chile in adobo, along with the sauce stems removed

• Meatballs

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1  lb ground pork
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped onion
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1⁄2 cup  breadcrumbs
• 1  egg, beaten
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
•  vegetable oil (for frying)
•  chopped fresh cilantro, garnish

Directions

1. To make the sauce, sauté the onion and garlic in the oil until they are lightly browned.
2. Add the tomato sauce, broth, and the chipotles in adobo sauce.
3. Heat the mixture to just under boiling and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Place the sauce in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
5. To make the meatballs, combine the beef, pork, onion, cilantro, bread crumbs, egg, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Gently mix, then form into small meatballs.
7. Pour a couple of tablespoons of the oil in a heavy saucepan and brown the meatballs.
8. Remove and drain.
9. Return the sauce to the pan, add the meatballs and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to finish cooking the meat.
10. To serve: place in a chafing dish, garnish with the cilantro and serve accompanied with toothpicks.