Lion's Head Catalan Style

Ingredients

In this Catalan adaptation, the Chinese Lion's Head dish is transformed into meatballs simmered in a tomato and almond sauce. The traditional Chinese flavors are replaced with Catalan influences, such as the use of tomatoes and almonds, which are staples in Catalan cuisine. The meatballs are made with ground pork, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley, giving them a distinct Catalan twist. The resulting dish is a delightful fusion of Chinese and Catalan flavors, creating a unique and delicious culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Lion's Head, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup almonds, finely ground 1/4 cup almonds, finely ground
• 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
6. 6.
   Stir in the ground almonds, chicken broth, white wine, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Return the meatballs to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
8. 8.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   Serve the Lion's Head Catalan Style meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for healthier meatballs.
• Almonds — Toast the almonds before grinding them to enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the meatball mixture.
• Serve the meatballs with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can blend a small portion of the sauce before adding the meatballs back in.

Serving advice

Serve the Lion's Head Catalan Style meatballs as a main course, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs in a shallow serving dish, spooning the tomato and almond sauce over them. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for an attractive presentation.