Italian Beef Meatballs

Thu, 11 May 2023

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 ½ lb/700g lean minced beef

1 small bunch scallions-sliced thinly

2oz/50g fine white breadcrumbs

2 dessert spoon grated cheese (parmesan, cheddar, blue cheese etc)

2 tablespoons sweet chilli relish/tomato ketchup

1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

1 egg

Sauce

2 cans of chopped tomatoes seasoned with a pinch sugar

1 medium sized onion

1 carrot-sliced thinly

6 mushrooms-sliced thinly

3 cloves of garlic-crushed

1 large glass red or white wine

1 tablespoon fresh oregano/1 teaspoon dried oregano

3 tablespoons cream (optional)

Seasoning

To Serve:

10oz/300g spaghetti

Grated parmesan

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4

I normally pop on some disposable gloves because this is a messy task.

The meatballs are very simple to make and will be ready in no time.

Place the meat and scallions into a large bowl. Add the chilli relish, egg and breadcrumbs together with the grated cheese and chopped parsley.

Mix thoroughly until combined and then divide the mixture into approximately 12 pieces and then roll each piece into medium sized meatballs.

Place the meatballs onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and pop into the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes to allow them to cook a little (this will prevent them from falling apart later on)

Meanwhile heat a large wide based sauté pan in and fry the onion, mushroom, carrot and garlic until nice and soft.

Mix in the oregano and the chopped tomatoes along with the wine

Allow the mixture come to the boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer..

If using the cream add to the sauce now to enrich it.

Adjust the seasoning and then transfer the meatballs from the baking tray to the sauté pan.

Allow the meatballs to continue to poach in the sauce for an additional 20 minutes.

Serve on top of some hot spaghetti. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese