Cheats Meatballs with Zucchini Linguine
The meat balls are another recipe from my book Feeding Little Tummies. I call it 'cheats' meatballs as it is so simple to make these flavoursome meatballs using a good-quality sausage. Simply roll, cook, add tomatoes, simmer... eat. And with the addition of speedy zucchini linguine (tongue-tied yet?!) this was the perfect meal to feed the troops when we were hungry and tired after our camping excursion.
Ingredients
- 6 good-quality beef or lamb sausages
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- approx. 6 large tomatoes chopped
- [OR 400 g can chopped tomatoes]
- handful of fresh basil torn
- salt and pepper to season
- grated Parmesan to serve
Instructions
- First prepare the meatballs. Snip the ends of the sausage casing and squeeze out the sausage mixture rolling into small walnut-sized balls as you go.
- Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying-pan over a moderate heat. Add the meatballs to evenly cover the base of the pan. Brown off the meat by shaking the pan often to roll the balls around. Once evenly browned add the tomatoes. Simmer uncovered until the tomatoes have reduced to a rich saucy consistency, about 15 minutes. Check the meatballs are cooked through by cutting one in half, and adjust seasoning. Serve with zucchini linguine (recipe below) and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan.