By Kip Rixx

These meatballs are based on my Fire House Chorizo sausage mixture that I use to make bratwurst sausages. The flavors that develop from the chorizo sausage and the green chili stew are as good, as this meal is good for your heart and soul.

Although Albondigas Soup is usually associated with “Mexican Soul Food,” its origin can be followed back to the 6th century where Islamic influence helped define the foods of southwest Europe; then, in the 13th century, the Spanish conquistadors brought the meal to Mexico, where it flourished into a cultural favorite.

In my version, I have combined the flavors of several of my favorite dishes to make my Fire House Green Chili Albondigas Stew; the base is that of my green chili chicken stew and the meatballs are based on my chorizo meat mixture. In keeping with my philosophy of cooking in the firehouse, this meal is easily prepared and will hold over well if you are called out and have to let the meal set for later serving. Large batches of the meatball mixture can be made and divided into portions and frozen and will hold for several months if sealed airtight; leftovers from large batches of the stew can be frozen and will hold and reheat well for several months as well.

Ingredients

Meatballs

1/3 pound ground beef

2/3 pound ground pork

½ cup ground bacon

5 tablespoons amber ale beer

1 tablespoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pinch salt

¼ teaspoon coriander

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon red chili powder

Pinch ground cloves

Stew

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 ½ cups 1/8-inch diced potato

1 cup diced yellow onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

½ cup chopped green chili

3 cups green enchilada sauce

1 cup chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese

Directions

1. Combine all the meatball items and mix well. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. In a large pot, add 1 tablespoon of the butter and melt over medium high heat; add the meatballs in small batches so as to not cool the pan and allow room to rotate the meatballs to brown on all sides; remove when browned and hold on the side.
3. To the pot add the remaining tablespoon butter and the potatoes, garlic, and onions, cooking until the onion is translucent and tender.
4. Add the green chili and continue to cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Discard any excess oil in the pot.
6. Add the enchilada sauce and broth and stir well to combine.
7. Return the meatballs to the stew and bring to a slow boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the lid and continue to simmer another 10 minutes.
9. Remove from the heat and allow stew to rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with grated cheese.

As a variation, once all ingredients have been cooked and combined, the stew can be placed in a slow cooker and cooked on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Kipp Rix has been in the fire service for 19 years working as both a career and volunteer fire fighter in New Mexico. Kipp started cooking at the age of 10 and learned his early skills watching shows like the Galloping Gourmet and Julia Child. Throughout the years, Kipp refined his skills with a focus on grilling foods with a southwestern flair. In 2009 Fire House Publications, LLC released the first of Kipp’s two cook books with the second book released in 2011; a portion of the proceeds from the books helps fund Fire Kids. Kipp’s philosophy of fire house cooking is “Just because you work in a busy house does not mean that you have to settle for ordinary cooking, a crew’s attitude is directly related to the meals served!” Each of Kipp’s recipes has been Fire House tested and approved. Please email krix@fhpllc.net with a crew picture enjoying this recipe along with your review; each month one entry will be selected to receive a signed copy of one of my cook books. In 2013 Kipp founded Fire Kids, an organization that works with New Mexico children’s agencies and other organizations like the Make A Wish Foundation, of New Mexico to identify children facing a life altering or terminal illness; working with local municipal agencies and fire departments Fire Kids affords these children an opportunity to live the life of a fire fighter for a day. Complete information can be found on our Fire Kids web page.