Preview

Italian meatballs with black olive penne rigate, fresh chives

Cheese, Vegetables and Fruits, Risotto, Pasta and Rice, Beef

Family team work will add to the warmth of this hearty winter meal.

Note

Remember that parmesan is a very salty cheese. Adjust your seasoning to account for the cheese you put on top.

Ingredients

Recipe for 4 persons

Meatballs

500 Gr

Ground beef

2 Clove(s)

Chopped garlic

50 Gr

Grated parmesan

20 Gr

Breadcrumbs

50 Ml

Milk

1 Unit(s)

Egg

1 Unit(s)

Onion

1 Unit(s)

Can of crushed plum tomatoes (28 oz)

6 Sprig(s)

Parsley

Penne Rigate

300 Gr

Penne rigate

2 Clove(s)

Chopped garlic

12 Chips

Parmesan

4 Leaf(ves)

Basil

200 Gr

Pitted black olives

Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Preparation time: 45 min

Preheat your Oven at 400 °F

Preparation

Chop garlic, finely dice onion, remove parsley from stems and chop leaves.

Drain olives, be sure they are pitted.
Pene Rigate pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook for around 10 minutes (until al dente).

Drain the pasta and set aside.

In the same pot add a knob of butter, and sautee the garlic and the olives for a minute

Add the pasta and mix delicately, trying not to colour the pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
Meatballs and tomato sauce

Meatballs

In a bowl, mix the garlic, ground beef, parmesan, breadcrumbs, milk, egg and parley. Season with salt and pepper.

Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into balls and place on a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the tray in the oven and cook for 15 mins in the oven.

Tomato Sauce

While the meatballs are in the oven, heat a large pan with oil and sautee the onions over medium high heat, until starting to turn transparent, then add the canned tomatoes (and half of the liquid from the can). Season with salt and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the meatballs and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, periodically pouring the tomato sauce over the meatballs to keep them from drying out.
Plating

In a deep dish, place the pasta in the bottom and make a little well in the middle.

In the well, place the meat balls, and cover with some tomato sauce.

Finish with parmesan shavings and a basil leaf.

Just before serving, finish with some olive oil on top.