Portuguese Meatballs

How to make Portuguese Meatballs.

Ingredients: Serves 4-6

• 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 can (15 ounces) Northern white beans, drained
• 1 quart good quality salsa
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 cup water
• Cilantro, lemon slices, and olive oil to garnish

Directions:

1. Combine bread crumbs and milk in a large mixing bowl.
2. Toss with a fork until all milk is absorbed.
3. Add ground beef, garlic, lemon, salt, chilli powder and eggs to the moistened bread crumbs.
4. Wearing kitchen gloves, use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
5. Shape beef mixture into fairly large meatballs, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
6. Place on shallow baking pans about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake in a pre-heated 375F degree oven for 30 minutes.
8. While meatballs bake, combine salsa, water and potato chunks in a large pot.
9. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
10. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork tender.
11. Make sure that potatoes stay submerged in the liquid.
12. Add water (1/2 cup at a time) if necessary.
13. Once potatoes are fork tender, remove pot from heat.
14. Add meatballs and beans to the pot.
15. Stir gently.
16. Ladle mixture into serving bowls.
17. Garnish bowls with a drizzle of olive oil (about a teaspoon), a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, and a few thin lemon slices.
18. Enjoy!