Al Pastor Meatballs with Pineapple Jelly

Impressed by the smoky, candy flavors of al pastor—the beloved Mexican dish made with pork marinated in achiote paste, vinegar, and spices—these pork meatballs are coated in a sticky glaze of pineapple preserves and vinegar for tangy steadiness. Topped with charred purple onion and pineapple, every chew delivers a daring, fruity taste that enhances the meatballs’ smoky richness. 

What’s achiote paste?

Achiote paste is made with floor annatto seeds, vinegar, and spices like cumin and Mexican oregano. Fashionable in Mexican, Central American, and Caribbean cooking, it’s used so as to add earthy taste and vibrant red-orange shade to marinades, stews, and grilled meats.

What’s one of the simplest ways to get completely browned meatballs in a skillet?

To attain fantastically browned, flavorful meatballs, keep away from overcrowding the pan — too many meatballs without delay will lure steam and forestall a crisp crust from forming. As a substitute, sear in batches and provides every meatball house. Allow them to cook dinner undisturbed for 2 to a few minutes per aspect earlier than turning. Flipping too quickly may cause sticking and uneven browning, so be affected person and let the crust develop.

Notes from the Meals & Wine Check Kitchen

Utilizing cocktail or toothpicks makes it straightforward to skewer the onion and pineapple slices onto the meatballs for a grab-and-go social gathering appetizer. Alternatively, serve the meatballs with the charred onion and pineapple organized on a platter, or slice the meatballs in half and wrap them in heat tortillas for fast tacos.

Make forward

Meatball combination may be made and formed as much as in the future prematurely. Preserve lined within the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes earlier than cooking. Formed meatballs may be saved within the freezer in an hermetic container for as much as one month. Retailer cooked leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as two days. 

This recipe was developed by Marianne Williams; the textual content was written by Andee Gosnell.