Chipotle Appetizer Meatballs - cooking recipe

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

Preparation

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