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Pork and Taleggio Meatballs with Messicani Pasta

INGREDIENTS:

  • 70g fresh sourdough breadcrumbs
  • 60ml milk
  • 800g 5% fat pork mince
  • 120g finely grated Pecorino cheese
  • A good handful of fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 whole egg
  • 50g kale leaves, finely chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
  • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 200g Taleggio cheese, chopped into 2cm pieces
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

TOMATO SAUCE

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes
  • 375ml chicken stock
  • 150g Messicani pasta, or similar small pasta (cooked as per packet instructions)
  • 120g finely grated Parmesan cheese

METHOD:

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and prepare a Denby round casserole dish
    with half of the olive oil. Set to one side.
  2. Place the breadcrumbs and milk into a large bowl and allow to soak for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the pork mince, pecorino, whole egg, kale, half the garlic, salt and pepper and mix to combine.
  4. Place a good tablespoon of the pork mixture into the palm of your hand. Pop a cube of taleggio into the centre and top with another tablespoon of pork mixture. Roll into a ball ensuring the cheese is fully covered.
  5. Continue until you have made around a dozen meatballs.
  6. Place the Denby casserole dish over a medium heat on the hob and brown the meatballs, in batches, turning occasionally, for around 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from the casserole dish and set aside.
  8. Heat the remaining olive oil in the same casserole dish over a medium heat and add the onion, carrot, celery and remaining garlic. Cook, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes or until all the vegetables have softened.
  9. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the tinned tomatoes, stock and cooked pasta and stir to combine.
  10. Return the meatballs to the casserole dish, cover with the lid, and cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure everything is cooked through.
  11. Remove the casserole lid and brown the top of the baked pasta and meatballs for 5 minutes if required.
  12. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and serve in Denby pasta bowls. Enjoy!
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