mexican meatballs in salsa verde

You guys know I am a cookbook nerd, and I fuel my nerdy-ness habit by frequenting my library and raiding their collection. One my last visit, I got a book on sausage. I think I got it more for the pictures, but I found some tasty recipes in there, too. Yay for being a nerd!

One that caught my eyes was “Mexican Sausage” which, is really a meatball. Hmmm. And, it’s cooked in a green tomatillo sauce. Ooo.Tomatillos are a member of the nightshade family and the look like green tomatoes wrapped in onion skins.

Jeez, I am having a hard time typing today. I smashed/lodged my finger in a folding table. I am still not sure how my finger got lodged in the location, but I am glad my MIL was there to assist in the dislodging. I guess it looked pretty gross cause she looked like she was going to puke or pass out. I couldn’t see it, thank goodness. When I did finally get it out, it was flat. For several minutes. That was gross enough. Damn thing still hurts.

Anyway… my black strapless bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding didn’t fit. So, she got me another. When my hubby saw it he asked if my ass was going to fit in that. SERIOUSLY? HELLO? YOU JUST DON”T SAY CRAP LIKE THAT!!! Anyway, he claims he meant it if was long enough and would cover my Texas sized ass. No, he didn’t say the Texas part. And, really… it is a yard of fabric. It looks like I’m going to be the cougar/hooch at the wedding. Complete without my husband there. Oh boy. Ugh.

To make matters worse, I got in a “mood” because he seldom reads my blog. He totally supports it, including all the camera lenses, plates and props, conventions and social networking, etc…and the food part, of course. Anyway, I got into one of those moods over it… I said, “If I were to die, then would you read it?” He said, “Probably not,but, you’re not going to die.” Well, I am. One day. It’s inevitable. I’m going to put in my will that the $10 a month it costs to keep this thing up always gets paid, and place a successor in my place to keep up with posts. Hopefully my kid will be big enough by then. She has my sense of humor.

Woah..I am getting morbid. Had to get that crap off my chest boobies.

These are tomatillos. 🙂

You cook em up, along with some onion and water and whirl away.

and, these are the “meatballs” Now: this recipe called for 3 cups shredded zucchini. WAY too much. I’d do a cup next time. Aren’t you glad I tried this recipe 1st? 😉

I wish I had a nice picture of them all plated up to share with you guys. But… my hubby took the leftovers I had set aside for pictures to work. Grrr…. he’s getting himself into trouble.

But, I love him anyway. 🙂

Recipe: mexican meatballs in salsa verde

Summary: adapted from Sausage by Victoria Wise

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef 1/2 c fresh bread crumbs 1 c shredded zucchini 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp garlic 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 egg

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients and mix well, place in fridge (covered)for one hour or overnight, for seasonings to blend and sausage to firm. Shape into walnut sized balls and pan-fry until golden.

Quick Notes

For the sauce, take 10 oz fresh tomatillos, husks removed 1/2 sliced onion Cover with water and bring to a boil, remove from heat and allow to cool 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 c liquid. Place in a food processor along with: 2 diced jalapenoes salt 1 clove fresh garlic 1/2 c water 2 c cilantro Pulse until smooth, add salt to taste Place in saucepan with cooked meatballs and add 16 dice olives Simmer 5 minutes and serve