Italian Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

Meatballs (makes 12)

• 500g beef mince
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• Pinch of salt

Tomato Sauce

• 3/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves to garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Mix mince, bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, pepper and the beaten egg in a bowl. Mix well and form into 12 balls. Leave in fridge until sauce is ready.
2. Heat a large fry pan on a medium heat and add olive oil, onion and garlic. Sautee until onion is translucent.
3. Mix in the canned whole tomatoes, sugar, salt and bay leaf. Cover and simmer on a low heat for 1 1/2 hours.
4. Stir in tomato paste, basil and pepper. Then add meatballs and simmer for another 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.