BARGAIN RECIPE: Mozzarella Meatballs

Quick, easy and you can use them in a range of ways!

Mozzarella Meatballs
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:
250g lean organic minced beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1 egg, beaten
1/2 mozzarella cheese
wholemeal flour, for coating
3 tablespoons olive oil
pepper, to taste

For the sauce:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 celery stick, finely chopped
5 tomatoes, skinned, de-seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon tomato puree
1 teaspoon molasses sugar
pepper, to taste

Method
1. Make the meatball, put the beef, onion, herbs and beaten egg in a bowl and mix well, adding pper to taste.
2. Cut the mozzarella into 3/4 inch (2cm) cubes and mould the meat mixture around each one. Roll the meatballs in flour to coat.
3. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs for 12-13 minutes or until cook through and browned.
4. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the onion, garlic and the celery and cook gently for about 6 minutes or until soft. Add the remaining ingredients, with pepper to taste, and continue cooking gently until the sauce is pulpy.
5. Serve the meatballs on top of boiled spaghetti sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, with the hot sauce spooned over the top.

Will keep for the next day... and great served with pasta!