When Natalie & Gareth came to visit us for the first time a couple of years ago they wanted to cook for us one night, they made the most amazing meatballs I’d ever tasted. I’m sure Natalie said it was based upon an Antonio Carluccio recipe she picked up in the supermarket.

My Parent’s In-Law’s arrive tonight for a short break and I thought meatballs would be the perfect warming dish since the weather is so wet and dismal at the moment.

Here is my version of the recipe Natalie & Gareth cooked for us.

MEATBALLS IN A TOMATO SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE MEATBALLS

• 1kg Extra lean minced beef (it is also possible to substitute chicken or turkey mince here)
• 1 Small onion, finely chopped
• 4 Cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 Bunch Basil, finely chopped
• 2 Heaped tbsp pesto rosso
• 50g Grand Padano/parmigiano reggiano, finely grated
• 1 Good rasp of fresh nutmeg
• 1 egg yolk
• Fresh breadcrumbs if required

FOR THE SAUCE

• 3 Medium Onions, finely chopped
• 4 Tins Italian chopped plum tomatoes (1600g)
• 1 Glass Red wine
• 150g Grand Padano/parmigiano reggiano, finely grated
• 4 Cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 Tsp Dried mixed herbs
• 1 Large bunch basil, finely chopped
• 1 Large bunch parsley, freshly chopped
• 1 bunch chives, finely chopped

PREPARATION

MEATBALLS

1. Mix all of the ingredients for the meatballs into a large bowl and mix thoroughly by hand
2. Set aside in the fridge for 20mins
3. Test consisitency of the meatball mix and if required add some breadcrumbs to bind
4. Brown the meatballs in batches in olive oil and set aside until the sauce is prepared

SAUCE

1. Soften the onion and garlic in some olive oil gently
2. Add the tinned tomatoes, half of the herbs, nutmeg, mixed herbs and red wine and bring up to the boil, reduce the heat and allow to simmer gently
3. Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes to allow the alcohol in the wine to evaporate off
4. Add the meatballs to the sauce along with the rest of the herbs and 2/3 of the cheese
5. Simmer the sauce for at least 40 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has reached the desired consistency
6. Add the rest of the cheese, stir and serve over spaghetti

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