Quick and simple to make, pork and pancetta meatballs and tomato sauce. Perfect to freeze and store over the Christmas period - just add to your favourite pasta when guests arrive.
Ingredients
- 500g (1b) lean minced pork
- 80g pack cubed pancetta, roughly chopped
- 30g (1oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp dried sage or dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- Tagliatelle or fettucine, to serve
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Put the pork, pancetta, Parmesan, herbs, seasoning and egg in a large bowl and use your hand to mix it together well.
- Shape the mixture into 24 balls (use a tbsp measuring spoon as a guide to how much mixture per ball). Put them on a tray lined with Bakewell paper and chill them until firmed up — about an hour.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: Warm the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and cook for 5 mins until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a couple of mins. Pour in the tomatoes and simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 mins. Add the ketchup and season.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the meatballs in one layer and leave for 5 mins to brown on one side, then turn them to cook on the other side for another 5 mins.
Top Tip for making Pork and pancetta meatballs
The meatballs are just astasty made from mincedbeef or chicken
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for parents. At GoodtoKnow, our mission is 'simple': we're trying to make sense of parenthood. On the site, you'll find everything you need for a happy, healthy family life. Our huge archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles and 1,500 how-to videos. These include expert-backed advice features on parenting, dealing with relationship changes after having a baby, self-care for mums and managing your family finances. We also feature tried-and-tested product reviews and buying recommendations for every stage of family life - from prams and Moses baskets to birthday gifts and top toys.
-
Prawn pasta with cherry tomatoes and lemon
Our prawn pasta with cherry tomatoes and lemon is so simple to make at home and is bursting with plenty of flavour - the perfect mid-week meal.
By Jessica Dady Published
-
Pork and cabbage stir-fry
This mouthwatering pork and cabbage stir-fry is ready in just four simple steps taking just 10 mins to prep...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Tomato, bean and basil pasta salad
This tomato, bean and basil pasta salad is a great alternative to sandwiches for lunch boxes and is also an excellent vegan buffet option if you’re hosting a party.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Annabel Karmel's trio of vegetables with tomato and basil
Suitable for six months plus, this baby food by nutritional expert Annabel Karmel is made with a whole heap of veggies...
By Annabel Karmel Published
-
Annabel Karmel's cheesy carrot stars
These flavour-packed cheesy carrot stars by Annabel Karmel are perfect for introducing finger foods to your little one...
By Annabel Karmel Published
-
Steak and salsa wraps
Our steak and salsa wraps are one of those build-you-own suppers the teens in your house will love...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Why George, Charlotte and Louis won’t be joining the rest of the family for Christmas dinner
He'll be sat at a different table from King Charles and senior Royals...
By Adam England Published
-
The most unpopular Christmas dinner item revealed, and surprisingly it’s not sprouts
But do you agree with what's been ranked the most unpopular Christmas dinner item?
By Selina Maycock Published
-
The Christmas dinner food item that's loved the most is revealed, and surprisingly it’s not turkey
Have you got this most popular Christmas dinner dish nailed?
By Selina Maycock Published