Chipotle Meatballs (Albondigas al Chipotle)

1. Prepare Meatball Mixture

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. In a food processor, combine the bacon and one peeled garlic clove until finely chopped. Add the eggs, bread crumbs, and a teaspoon of salt. Pulse until well mixed. Then add the ground pork and coarsely chopped mint leaves, blending until just combined.

2. Bake Meatballs

Shape the meat mixture into 16 plum-sized meatballs and arrange them in a 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, until they brown slightly.

3. Prepare Tomato Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, blend the diced tomatoes, the remaining two garlic cloves, one or two chipotle chiles, a tablespoon or two of the chipotle canning sauce, oregano, and half a teaspoon of salt until smooth.

4. Combine and Bake

Remove any excess fat from the baking dish with the meatballs. Pour the blended tomato mixture over the meatballs, covering them mostly. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Finish Sauce

Heat the beef or chicken broth until warm, then stir it into the sauce surrounding the meatballs. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary. Garnish with extra mint leaves before serving.