A staple in Mexican cooking, ancho chili is the dried version of the ripe poblano pepper and is used to make rich sauces, stews, and soups. Incorporate this smoky pepper into the meatballs and sauce for a mild, fruity heat.
Preheat the oven to 350. Mix the meat, tortilla chips, egg, chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup scallions, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon chili power, 1 teaspoon cumin, and salt to taste in a bowl. Roll into 16 small meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and lightly brown, turning as needed, about 5 minutes. Add the smashed garlic and the remaining 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin; cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cilantro sprigs and 1 1/2 cups water and season with salt. Bring to a simmer, then cover, reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are tender, about 15 minutes.
About 5 minutes before the meatballs are done, toast the rolls in the oven. Place 2 roll halves in each of 4 shallow bowls and top with 4 meatballs. Drizzle with sauce, then pour the remaining sauce into the bowls. Top with avocado, cheese and/or scallions, if desired.
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Photograph by Antonis Achilleos
This recipe has been updated to more accurately recognize its origin or to add cultural context. It may differ from what was originally published or broadcast.
Courtesy of Food Network Magazine
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