A big work day and not so sunny, which made our grubbing slightly more tolerable. We are very delighted with our progress and can now see the gate at the end of the drive. Eating wasn’t a priority during the day and we kept up with water and ‘Redeems’ delicious ginger soda.
Since I first made these meat balls from Yotum Ottolenghi’s book ‘Simple’, the recipe has become a firm favourite . I remember doubling the recipe and making it for Kara and Matthew when Mia was born and they had many portions in their freezer. They are almost better the next day and for something so simple completely irresistible.
2 large onions finely diced, 4 cloves garlic – crushed, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1x 400 gram tin chopped tomatoes, 500 ml chicken stock, 500 grams beef mince , 100 grams fresh breadcrumbs , 250 grams ricotta , 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, salt and pepper. 4 tablespoons olive oil
In a frying pan , sauté the onions and garlic, cook until soft and starting to colour. Remove half of the onions. Add the oregano, tomatoes and half the stock . Simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Place the mince, remaining onions, breadcrumbs, ricotta, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a good grinding of black pepper. Mix with your hands until the all ingredients are combined. Using wet hands shape into 12-14 balls .
Cook the meatballs in 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a largish frying pan until browned, turning with two forks until golden. Pour over the tomato sauce along with the remaining chicken stock. The meatballs need to be just covered so add a little water if necessary. Cover and cook on medium heat for 30 – 40 minutes. Cook with the lid off for 10 minutes or until the sauce is thick . Add chopped fresh oregano if you have any .
I served our meatballs with some left over vegetable couscous. I heated it in frying pan but a microwave would be fine. Delicious with a simple risotto.
For all the families and especially grandparents missing their little precious people. I hope you are sending photos, chatting on the phone and enjoying platforms like FaceTime and Zoom. My sister reads a book to her grandchildren each day which I think is so lovely.
Stay Safe XXX Jude
Really enjoying your blog and your recipes are great Beaut place to be in a bubble Cheers. Jan
Thanks Jan,
Who would have expected we would have been forced to lock down here. It is very beautiful and more than enough to do .
XX Stay Safe
Hi Judith, I just knew you would come up with something special ,clicked onto your blogs yesterday. So enjoying your writing ,recipes , photos and Challenges of Central Otago gardening. As you know Ive been on our 10 acres for 12 years and Rabbits have been the bain of my life. Now we are rabbit fenced has made it easier; pindone applied in winter works. But now over lockdown I think I’ve come up with a new trick. Fill shopping bags with pine cones, fill all holes used and unused. Generally a hole may take a bag full, push them down the hole as far and tight as possible.stamp! Warning I did find one hole was a wasp nest ,so little observation before you put hand down. The weather is fantastic ,you and Philip keep the good work up.Best wishes Trevor and Bronwyn
Hi Bronwyn,
Just to let you know I did see your comment !!
The rain was amazing but how the temperature has dropped. Gas will be going ‘off’
XXX