Chicken Meatballs in Sofrito Sauce Recipe
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Yield:
4–6 servings
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Total Time:
35 mins
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Prep Time:
15 mins
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Cook Time:
20 mins
Ingredients
Ingredients for sofrito sauce:
- 3 tablespoons Mazola® Corn Oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (or sweet onion), diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can whole tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
- ¼ cup pimento-stuffed green olives (optional)
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro sprigs (more for garnish)
Ingredients for meatballs:
- 1½ pounds lean ground chicken breast
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- ⅔ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1 small red onion, very finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1) In a large lidded saucepan or Dutch oven, add 3 tablespoons of Mazola® Corn Oil over medium heat.
- Step 2) Add onion and peppers, and sauté until soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 3) Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
- Step 4) Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5) Add the chicken stock and let it come to a gentle boil.
- Step 6) Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Step 7) Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Lightly mix all the ingredients until everything is combined. (Do not overmix as this tends to make the meatballs tough.)
- Step 8) Moisten hands with water and form round meatballs no larger than a golf ball.
- Step 9) Bring the temperature of the sauce to a simmer, then very carefully place the meatballs in the sauce and cook, covered, for about 15 minutes (do not stir as the meatballs will break apart).
- Step 10) Uncover and add the capers and olives (if using).
- Step 11) Cook, uncovered, for another 10 minutes
- Step 12) Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with fresh cilantro (if using).
- Step 13) Serve with brown rice and beans.
