Spanish Meatball Sub - IDN Original

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Spanish Meatball Sub - IDN Original

Spanish Meatball Sub with Manchego Cheese—a bold, savory twist on the classic sandwich, infused with smoky, spicy, and rich Iberian flavors.

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 55 Min

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Assembly:

• 4 soft hoagie or sub rolls
• 6 oz Manchego cheese, thinly sliced or shaved
• Roasted red peppers (from jar, optional)
• Fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional, for freshness)
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches).
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Add garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant (1 minute).
7. Deglaze with the wine or broth, scraping up any bits on the pan.
8. Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
9. Add the meatballs back into the sauce and simmer gently for another 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
10. Preheat the broiler. Slice rolls and lightly toast under the broiler until just golden.
11. Pile meatballs and sauce into each roll.
12. Top generously with Manchego cheese and roasted red peppers if using.
13. Broil again briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
14. Add arugula if desired and drizzle lightly with olive oil.

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The classic meatball sub with marinara sauce is a time-honored favorite—and for good reason. I had one the other day, and while it was delicious, it sparked an idea: what if we gave this comfort food a Spanish twist? Enter the Albóndigas, Spain's savory, spiced meatballs. They’re bold, flavorful, and pair beautifully with melted Manchego cheese, making them a perfect star for a Mediterranean-inspired meatball sub.

Pair this sandwich with a glass of Spanish red wine and a few tapas on the side, and you've got yourself an effortlessly romantic, flavor-packed date night meal. Stay tuned for more International Date Night originals—bringing global flavors right to your table.

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