An Italian dish that covers all bases - the tomatoes provide vitamin C, the pasta provides fibre, and the chillies add flavour instead of using salt.
Ingredients
- 750g lean minced pork fillet
- 50g wholemeal breadcrumbs
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 medium-hot red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus extra leaves, to garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 4 tbsp semi-skimmed milk
- 1 medium egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 450g can chopped tomatoes
- 500g carton tomato passata
- 400g wholewheat spaghetti
Method
- 1. Mix together the pork, breadcrumbs, 100g of the onions, 2 garlic cloves, half the red chilli, the basil, parsley, milk, egg and plenty of black pepper in a large bowl. Using damp hands, shape into balls.
- 2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Brown the meatballs, in batches, then transfer to a flameproof casserole.
- 3. In the same pan, gently fry the remaining onions, garlic and chilli until soft. Add the tomatoes, passata and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- 4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, partly cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- 5. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions. Drain well and divide between 4 bowls. Spoon over the meatballs and garnish with the extra basil.