Learn how to add a spicy New Mexican twist to classic meatballs

Spicy Meatballs with New Mexico Gravy and Honey and Cider Collard Greens at Agave. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLIS

Spicy Meatballs with New Mexico Gravy and Honey and Cider Collard Greens at Agave. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLIS

Agave's new menu item of collard greens and meatballs is literally the most tasty dish of collard greens I have ever had. So much and so many flavors, from tomato to sweet to a momentary flash of light bitterness. Can you share this recipe with us? Thank you for sharing Atlanta's creative deliciousness, including how we can try to make it at home! — Laura Bellinger, Atlanta

Tim Pinkham, Agave’s managing partner, was happy to provide these recipes. We’re seeing more requests for meatball recipes these days which speaks to Atlanta diners leaning toward classic comfort foods. But with chorizo and other Southwestern seasonings, these meatballs tweak the idea of comfort. The spicy New Mexico Gravy takes almost no time to make and you’ll find lots of uses for any you have left over. A quick supper of huevos rancheros anyone?

The secret to the collards is the long cooking time plus the addition of honey and apple cider vinegar. They’ll convert those who say they don’t like collards, for sure.

Is there a recipe from a metro Atlanta restaurant you’d like to make at home? Tell us and we’ll try to get it. We’ll also test it and adapt it for the home kitchen. Because of volume, we can’t answer all inquiries. Send your request, your address and phone number to fromthemenu@gmail.com and put “From the menu of” and the name of restaurant in the subject line.

Agave’s Spicy Meatballs

Ground veal can be difficult to find. We tried the recipe two ways, with ground beef and also with ground chicken. Delicious both ways.

Agave’s New Mexico Gravy

Agave’s Honey and Cider Collard Greens

From the menu of … Agave Restaurant, 242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta. 404-588-0006, www.agaverestaurant.com

Is there a recipe from a metro Atlanta restaurant you'd like to make at home? Tell us and we'll try to get it. We'll also test it and adapt it for the home kitchen. Because of volume, we can't answer all inquiries. Send your request, your address and phone number to fromthemenu@gmail.com and put "From the menu of" and the name of restaurant in the subject line.

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