Mariachi meatballs are a delicious Mexican variant of a traditional dish very popular in many cultures. This dish has roots in Mexican cuisine, where local ingredients and cooking techniques dating back centuries are combined. The traditional recipe includes ground meat mixed with totopos, which gives it a unique texture and flavor. In other Latin American countries, this type of meatball may simply be known as albóndigas or meatballs, although the specific recipe with totopos is characteristic of Mexico.
The name "mariachi" is believed to refer to traditional Mexican musicians, who often enjoyed these meatballs for their intense flavor and energy, ideal for sharing. The blend of spices such as chili powder and cumin provides a spicy and aromatic touch typical of Mexican cuisine. Furthermore, the use of ripe olives in the sauce adds a salty contrast that enriches the dish. In summary, these meatballs combine tradition and innovation in a single dish, representing an important aspect of Mexican culinary culture.
How to Prepare Mariachi Meatballs
In a large bowl, lightly mix the ground meat with the totopos, milk, egg, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Form 15 meatballs, using 2 heaping tablespoons of the meat mixture for each one.
Lightly coat the meatballs in 2 teaspoons of flour, covering them completely.
In a large skillet, cook the meatballs in hot butter, half at a time, stirring until evenly browned.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet as they brown.
In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ teaspoon of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, chili powder, and cumin.
Add to the onion.
Add tomatoes, green chiles, and olives.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the meatballs to the tomato mixture, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Uncover and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over hot rice.
Ingredients:
Beef, Totopos, Milk, Egg, Salt, Unbleached Flour, Butter, Onions, Garlic, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Tomatoes, Green Chiles, Ripe Olives.
