CHILI MEATBALLS IN BLACK BEAN AND TOMATO SAUCE

Chili Meatballs in Black Bean and Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Donna Hay

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 ounce dried ancho or other large dried red chiles
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds
Sea salt and cracked black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon malt vinegar
1/2 cup beef stock
2 (14-ounce) cans chopped tomatoes
2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 (3 1/2-ounce) dried chorizos, skin removed and roughly chopped
Steamed rice and sour cream, to serve

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the ancho chiles and boiling water in a bowl and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes or until soft. Drain and roughly chop the chiles, reserving the liquid. Set aside.
Place the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl and mix well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes or until the milk is absorbed. Add the beef, egg, garlic, cilantro, coriander seeds, salt and pepper and mix well to combine. Using wet hands, roll tablespoon-portions of the mixture into balls.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, shallow, heavy-based ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until browned. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil, onion and extra garlic to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden. Add the tomato paste, sugar and vinegar and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef stock, tomatoes, beans, reserved chopped chile, reserved soaking liquid, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, return the meatballs to the pan and transfer to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is reduced and the meatballs are cooked through.
Place the chorizo in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Heat the remaining oil in a medium non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve the meatballs with steamed rice and top with the crispy chorizo and sour cream.