adapted from America's Test Kitchen
Soup Serves: 6-8
Picada
Yields: 1 cup
Preheat oven: 375° (Place oven rack in the middle.)
1/4 cup slivered almonds
2 slices white bread, quartered
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/8 tsp salt
Three twists fresh ground pepper
Pulse the nuts in a food processor to fine crumbs. Add the bread, olive oil, salt and pepper and continue to pulse the bread to coarse crumbs. Spread the mixture over a baking sheet. Toast, stir frequently, until golden brown. (Ten minutes) Let cool.
The picada may be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for two days.
Meatballs
Yields: 30-35 meatballs
2 slices white bread, torn into quarters
1/3 cup milk
1 pound ground turkey (93 % lean)
1/2 cup Manchego cheese
3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
3 Tbsp minced shallot (1 medium)
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
In a large bowl, mash the bread and milk together into a paste. Add the ground turkey, Manchego cheese, parsley, shallot, oil, salt and pepper. Mix the combination thoroughly. When combined, roll the meatballs by pulling off about 2 teaspoons of meat mixture. Roll into firm balls and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerator until firm, about 45 minutes.
Soup
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/4 tsp saffron threads, crumbled
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup dry white wine
8 cups chicken stock
1 recipe of picada
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened and lightly browned. (10-12 minutes) Stir in the garlic, paprika, saffron, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Gently add the meatballs and kale. Continue to simmer until the meatballs are cooked through 12-15 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the picada, parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve.