Meatballs are a real favourite in our house. They are a great comfort food, perfect to make ahead and have ready to reheat on those busy week nights. The whole family loves them. You can also sneak in some grated zucchini and carrot to increase the vegetable consumption if you have fussy kids.
Mince Meat- sadly all mince meat is not created equal. One thing I teach all clients is to get savvy with labels on food and start to read the ingredients in the food you are buying. Be on the look our for added preservatives when buying your mince meat, particularly numbers 249, 259, 251 and 252, all termed nitrates and nitrites.
Nitrates and Nitrites are added to a lot of processed meat and cheeses to ensure shelf life longevity and prevent the food going rancid. This is important, yes. However, there are potential side effects from these preservatives such as provoking asthma, headaches and increasing the risk of colon and pancreatic cancer.
We have also had episodes of night terrors in our family and through the process of elimination, we worked out mince containing preservatives was contributing to the night terrors. So now it is premium preservative free Mince from our favourite Butcher only for us.
main meals
meatballs
INGREDIENTS
TOMATO SAUCE
1 clove garlic crushed
1 tbsp dried oregano
4 tins diced organic tomatoes
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 handfuls of fresh basil
Handful of grated mozzarella cheese
Half a handful of grated Parmesan cheese
MEATBALLS
1 onion halved
2 garlic cloves
2 slices stale bread
500gm Butchers beef mince
500gm Butchers Pork mince
1 tsp seeded mustard
2 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
1 egg
INSTRUCTIONS
Start with the tomato sauce.
Heat a heavy based pot with olive oil, add the garlic and fry for couple of minutes
Add oregano and tomatoes, Stir to combine, bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally
While sauce is simmering, prepare the meatballs.
Add to a food processor or thermomix the onion, garlic, and bread, whizz until chopped and resembles breadcrumbs. Tip into a mixing bowl.
Add remaining ingredients to bread mix. Season well with salt and pepper. Combine all ingredients together with wet hands to ensure well mixed.
Roll mixture into meatballs and add to a lightly oiled hot pan. Gently fry meatballs until browned all over, careful not to break them up. Cook in batches if needed.
Once tomato sauce is cooked add red wine vinegar and basil, season well with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and top with the grated cheese.
Cook in the oven 180’ for 20 mins or until cheese melted and looking delicious.
Enjoy served with spaghetti, on its own,
or with some fresh greens!