We tried making meatballs for the first time without the obligatory bread crumbs since going on our gluten free journey.  It turned out pretty good as we substituted the breadcrumbs with chestnut flour to act as the binding agent.   The meatballs maintained shape through the cooking process and tasted great.

What do I need to make it?

Meatballs

• 200 gms lean minced lamb
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 tsp crush red chilli flakes
• 1 tsp dry oregano
• 2 tsp chestnut flour
• Handful of fresh parsley chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato sauce

• 400 gm tinned plum tomatoes
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 4 small green chillies chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp dry oregano
• 1 tsp fresh oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How much will I make?

Serves 2-3

How do I make it?

Place all the meatball ingredients in a bowl and knead together.   Roll the meat mixture into small balls (should get around 20) and refrigerate for an hour.   Heat a pan with some olive oil and brown the meatballs off before placing them in a 200 degree Centigrade pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes or till the meat is done.

For the sauce, heat a pan, add the olive oil followed by the garlic and bay leaves.   Stir for 30 seconds before adding the onions and green chilli.   Sweat the onions for 5-8 minutes before adding the dry and fresh oregano.   Pour in the plum tomatoes (if whole crush or chop them first) with a cup of water and simmer over gentle heat for 20 minutes.   Add the sugar and adjust the seasoning.   Once the tomatoes have cooked through, add the meatballs and garnish the dish with fresh basil and parsley.   Pour over your favourite pasta and enjoy.