Tuesday’s Cupful: Background on Spanish Meatballs

Inspired by a Tapas staple

Look for several variations of this dish among Spanish tapas favorites.  They’re also known as Albondigas.  Spaniards like the ease popping them into their mouths at Madrid area tapas bars.  In fact, diners usually nibble on these meatballs using toothpicks.  Historically, bar owners compiled their patrons’ tabs by counting the number of discarded toothpicks.  Some recipes call for a tomato based sauce spiked with wine while others call for a cream sauce with crushed almonds.  We improvised and made a brown gravy sauce with sliced mushrooms.