Meatball’s & Tomato Sauce

Ingredients For the meatballs

900g/2lb lean minced beef 

150g/5oz finely chopped onion

2 crushed clove’s garlic

2 tbsp chopped herbs ( I use chives, parsley, basil  if using dried herbs dont use as much )

1 beaten egg

salt and pepper

Olive oil 

 

Ingredients for Tomato sauce

2 x 400g/14oz cans chopped tomatoes 

110g/4oz sliced or chopped onion

1 crushed garlic clove

150g/5¼oz grated mozzarella, use any cheese you prefer.

1 tsp sugar

salt and pepper

Olive oil

 

Firstly The Meatballs

With a pan over a low heat, put 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic. Then put the lid on and let them sweat and soften for about 4 minutes. When they turn a light golden colour put them in a mixing bowl, then allow them to cool.

Once they have cooled add the lean mince, chopped herbs, beaten egg and a little salt and pepper.

Now for the good part, with clean hands, mix it all together. Divide the mixture into equal size balls. I use an old dessertspoon and usually get about 24, it doesn’t matter if you dont, just try to keep them roughly the same size. Then cover them with clingfilm and put them in the fridge for about an hour.

Now lets make the Tomato sauce

Use about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan then put in the garlic and onions. Fry them over a low heat until they are golden and soft.

Then add the 2 tins of chopped tomatoes, sugar and season with salt and pepper. Now leave the sauce to reduce for about 20 – 30 minutes. Dont let it go dry.

 

When you are ready use about 3 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan, and put in the meatballs. Keep turning them for about ten minutes until they have browned. Depending on how big the meatballs are will depend on how long you cook them. If you cook them for too long they will dry out.

Once cooked put them in an ovenproof dish and pour over the tomato sauce. Then cover the sauce with the mozzarella and place under the grill untill the cheese has melted.

I serve this with my favorite long spaghetti and garlic bread.