Cuban Beef Meatballs in Sweet Pepper and Guava Sauce with Light Coconut Rice

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a small baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with some of the vegetable oil.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, half of the chopped white onion, half of the chopped garlic, the breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, half of the ground cumin, half of the dried oregano, and the black pepper. Mix just until combined.

3. 3

   Shape into 16 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the tray. Brush or drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F / 200°C, until lightly browned but still juicy.

4. 4

   While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining white onion, garlic, and sweet peppers. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until the onion is tender.

5. 5

   Add the tomato puree, guava paste, white vinegar, bay leaf, remaining ground cumin, remaining dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the saucepan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until the guava paste melts into the sauce.

6. 6

   Stir 120 ml (1/2 cup) water into the sauce. Add the baked meatballs and simmer over low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, gently shaking the pan occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are fully cooked.

7. 7

   For the rice, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in another pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed long-grain white rice and toast it for 1 minute. Pour in the coconut milk and the 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) water, then add 1/4 teaspoon salt and the finely grated lime zest.

8. 8

   Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook the rice for 16 to 18 minutes, until tender. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in the chopped fresh cilantro.

9. 9

   Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Taste and adjust the salt. If desired, add a few drops of lime juice to brighten the sauce.

10. 10

    Serve the light coconut rice on each plate and top or accompany it with the Cuban beef meatballs and plenty of sweet pepper and guava sauce.