Apple + Pork Meatballs

I love baked meatballs and these are surprisingly light and fantastic for kids as the apple and red onion give them a mellow sweetness which is totally addictive. The tomato sauce is so easy with only 4 ingredients but its also worth making a bigger batch and keeping some in the fridge for last minute tomato pasta on busy nights.

[Note: I normally bake these meatballs with some diced potatoes making it more of a complete meal but you can serve with whatever works for you and your family.]

 Makes 8 large meatballs

------------------------------------------------------

for the meatballs:

250g pork mince

1 garlic clove

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 small apple, roughly chopped

1 small red onion, peeled and roughly chopped

4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs

1 egg, beaten

1/2 tsp sea salt

for the sauce:

350g passata

1 red onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/4 tsp sea salt (optional)

-------------------------------------------------------

Preheat the oven to 200oC and prepare a baking sheet with baking parchment.

for the meatballs: place the mustard, apple and onion in a food processor and blitz down until finely chopped. Remove and place in a bowl with the remaining meatball ingredients. Mix everything together until evenly combined and then mould into 8 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes turn on the grill and cook for a further 5-8 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

for the sauce: cook the onion in 1 tbsp olive oil over a medium heat for 5minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute before adding the passata and salt (if using). Reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes. Remove and blitz down for a smooth sauce or leave if you prefer a chunky texture.

to finish: place the meatballs in a gratin dish or other ovenproof dish and pour over the sauce. Place back under the grill and cook for 5-8 minutes or until piping hot.