Giant Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Cook Time 1.5 hours

Servings 6

Ingredients

500g pork mince
500g veal mince
2 tbs. ricotta
1 eggs
¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
2 handfuls of fresh bread crumbs
2 sprigs of thyme
2 cloves garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp tomato paste
6 cubes firm mozzarella, 3cm x 3cm

Tomato sauce:
2 tbs. olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 anchovy fillets
1 chilli finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 can crushed tomatoes
½ cup white wine
3 x 410g can of Ardmona tomato puree
6 basil leaves, torn
Freshly ground salt and pepper

Method

To make the sauce: heat the oil in a large heavy based saucepan (that can go in the oven). On medium low heat, fry the onion, garlic, anchovies and chilli until soft. Add the white wine and cook off for 5 minutes. Now add the crushed tomatoes, the passata and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and then turn down to a low heat. Simmer for 30 minutes. Now add the basil.

Pre heat the oven to 200?C.

For the meatballs: Mix the veal and pork mince with ricotta, egg, parmesan, bread crumbs, thyme, tomato paste and the garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Combine well with your hands.

Form the mixture into large balls (size of a tennis ball). Pierce the meatball with the mozzarella and ensure you seal well with the meat. Place meatballs on to a tray and bake in the oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

Once cooked, add the meatballs to the sauce, and place back into the oven and cook for another 35 minutes at 180?C.

Serve with a little freshly grated parmesan.