Spaghetti and meatballs

Meatballs are a great mid week special, particularly if you have a busy night ahead and need something that can go in the oven while you are busy finishing off homework.  I would always suggest you make double and freeze them uncooked for another time.  Be careful to use fresh meat if you are going to this. If you prefer, freeze the meatball mix in a lump and then make them up fresh when you need them but honestly once you start rolling balls, why not keep going and save yourself some time next time around. Freeze them on a baking tray uncovered and then bag them up into portion sizes for just the kids or the whole family.

I have only just recently started to use my oven timer and I don't understand why I never thought to use it before!  I have it set so things like this are cooked shortly after we are due home from after school activities so then it is simply a matter of fixing the sauce and boiling the kettle for the pasta.

serves 4-6 (32 meatballs)

Meatball mix:
pork and beef mix 500g
2 tblspn dijon mustard
salt and pepper
approx 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, (panko are good)
2 sprigs rosemary
2 tblspn fresh parsley
1 tspn oregano (or italian mix)
1/2 cup carrot purree (optional)

Tomato sauce:

olive oil
1/2 onion, diced

1 clove garlic
1/2 chilli (optional)
2 x 400g tins crushed tomatoes
2 tblspn balsamic vinegar

Parmesan for grating.

Method:

• Combine the meat in a bowl with the egg, mustard, breadcrumbs, carrot and herbs until well mixed.  
• Divide the mixture in half and then half again.  Each portion should make approx 8 meatballs
• Roll and keep refrigerated until needed, or freeze at this point
• Bake in a hot oven, 360'F (180'C) until brown and cooked through, approx 20mins
• Heat a pan with olive oil and add onion.  Cook until clear, add the garlic and chill and cook until aromatic.
• Pour in the tin tomatoes, add balsamic and let simmer until the sauce thickens up - approx 10-12mins
• Boil the water and cook the spaghetti
• Once cooked, drain the pasta and pour into sauce, add meatballs and serve with grated parmesan.