Chipotle Meatballs

Directions

1. 1
   Turn on the oven to 450 degrees.
2. 2
   In a food processor, combine the bacon and 1 garlic clove.
3. 3
   Process until finely chopped.
4. 4
   Add the eggs, bread crumbs and 1 teaspoon salt.
5. 5
   Pulse several times to combine thoroughly, then add the pork and mint.
6. 6
   Pulse the machine, a few more times until everything is well combined but not at all processed into a paste.
7. 7
   Remove the blade.
8. 8
   With wet hands, form the meat into 16 plum-size spheres, spacing them out in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
9. 9
   Bake until lightly browned (theyll be browned more underneath than on top), about 15 minutes.
10. 10
    While the meatballs are baking, combine the tomatoes, with their juice, chipotles, canning sauce, oregano, the remaining 2 garlic cloves (cut in half) and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender or food processor.
11. 11
    Process to a smooth puree.
12. 12
    When the meatballs are ready, spoon off any rendered fat from the baking dish, then pour on the tomato mixture, covering the meatballs evenly.
13. 13
    Bake until the sauce looks like tomato paste, 15 to 20 minutes.
14. 14
    Microwave the broth for about a minute to heat it (or heat in a small saucepan).
15. 15
    Divide the meatballs among four dinner plates, leaving most of the sauce behind.
16. 16
    Stir enough broth into sauce to give it an easily spoonable consistency.
17. 17
    Taste and season with additional salt if you think the sauce needs it.
18. 18
    Spoon the sauce over the meatballs, decorate with extra mint leaves, if you wish, and carry to the table.