Meatballs in Sofrito Sauce

1. To prepare sofrito sauce, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, pepper and garlic; sauté 10 minutes or until tender.
2. Place onion mixture and remaining sauce ingredients in blender or food processor; process until smooth. Set aside.
3. To prepare meatballs, combine beef and next 7 ingredients (beef through black pepper) in a medium bowl; shape mixture into 30 (1-inch) meatballs. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs; cook until brown on all sides, about 6 minutes. Drain well; return to pan.
4. Add sofrito sauce; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Uncover and cook until meatballs are done and sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon into a serving bowl or individual shot glasses.
5. To prepare gremolata, grate rind from lime, reserving lime for another use. Combine lime rind, cilantro and garlic in a small bowl. Sprinkle over meatballs. Serves 10.

Recipe by Lisa Holderness and Wini Moranville.