Hi, newlywed, here, as promised, my meatball recipe (it takes a bit of time, but it's well worth it!) :
Serves 2 (it's very filling! You can freeze any leftovers, though).
Meatballs:
1/2 lb (250g) minced beef
1 slice white bread, soaked in 1tbsp milk for 5 mins.
grated rind of 1/2 a lemon
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (not the ones you buy in the shop - make your own, with a slice of old, dry bread)
1 medium egg
1 or 2 crushed garlic cloves, depending on taste
salt & pepper to season, according to taste
1 tsp dried oregano
Sauce :
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 mushrooms, sliced
some frozen peas (about 1/2 cup)
A tin of chopped tomatoes
1/2 glass of red wine
1tbsp tomato puree
salt & pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried oregano
4 slices mozzarella cheese.
You will also need olive oil
Method :
Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs & mix well. Shape into walnut sized balls & place them on a plate in the fridge for 30min.
Make the sauce - heat a little oil in a saucepan & fry the onion & garlic till soft. Add mushrooms & peas & fry for a couple of mins. Add tomatoes with their juice, wine, puree, salt, pepper & oregano. Stir well, bring to the boil & then simmer for 30 min.
In a large frying pan, heat a little olive oil & fry the meatballs in batches until browned - about 5 mins, turning occasionally.
Transfer the cooked meatballs to the pan containing the sauce. Return pan to a low heat & simmer gently for 20 mins.
Put the cheese slices on top of the meatballs in the pan & cook for a few more mins, till melted.
Serve with pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti work well)