Bramasole

Italian meat balls in tomato sauce

500g lean beef mince
1/2 an onion finely chopped
1/2 tsp basil
2 slices bread made into crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/3 c grated parmesan cheese

Combine all the ingredients and form into balls.

For the Primavera sauce

1 tin italian whole peeled tomatos, chopped
1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 onion chopped
Pinch dried basil
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar – or to your taste
A couple of handfuls of fresh parsley chopped
Salt and pepper if desired

Dried pasta for 4-6 people cooked according to manufacturer’s instructions.

In a frying pan heat the oil and add the onion, garlic, and celery.
Cook gently until the vegetables are tender.
While the vegetables are cooking assemble the meatballs.
Combine the meatball ingredients and roll into balls. Bake or grill until cooked.
When the vegetables are tender add the tomatos, tomato paste, sugar and oregano and simmer gently.
When the meatballs are cooked add them to the sauce and keep heated until ready to serve.
Serve with cooked pasta.

Cooks tips: The sauce freezes well, make double and freeze half. Freeze left over sauce to use on a pizza base or enrich a casserole.