Nigella Meatballs

Name: Nigella's Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Minced pork and beef, mixed; Garlic, oregano, freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Semolina or breadcrumbs, egg; Onion, garlic, tomato passata, full-fat milk for the sauce

Nigella Lawson, renowned for her simple yet delicious recipes, offers a couple of delightful meatball dishes that are perfect for any home cook looking to bring warmth and comfort to their table. One such recipe is her classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, featured in her book "NIGELLA BITES". Another, showcasing a bit of a twist on traditional meatball dishes, is her Meatballs with Orzo, from "At My Table: A Celebration of Home Cooking".

Ingredients for the Classic Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Minced pork and beef, mixed to create a tender, flavorful meatball.
Aromatic additions like garlic, oregano, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Semolina or breadcrumbs to bind, along with an egg.
The sauce features a base of onion, garlic, and tomato passata, enriched with a touch of full-fat milk.

Preparation Instructions

The meatballs are mixed by hand to ensure tenderness and then formed into small balls. These are then cooked in a simple yet robust tomato sauce that starts with sautéed onion and garlic, to which tomato passata is added and simmered until thickened, finishing with a splash of milk for creaminess.

Meatballs with Orzo

This dish combines the heartiness of meatballs with the comfort of pasta, all cooked together with orzo in a flavorful tomato sauce. Ingredients include minced beef, fresh parsley, Parmesan, and orzo pasta, creating a one-pot meal that's both satisfying and convenient.

Storage and Reheating

Both dishes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently, adding a little water if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Information

These meatball dishes are rich in protein and provide a good balance of carbohydrates when served with pasta or orzo. The addition of Parmesan adds calcium but also fat, so those watching their intake may wish to adjust portions accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute other meats in the meatball recipe? A: Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based mince as alternatives.

Q: Is it possible to make the meatballs gluten-free? A: Absolutely, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative to make the meatballs gluten-free.

Original Recipe Credit

These recipes are originally created by Nigella Lawson, a testament to her approachable yet flavorful cooking style. The Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is from her book "NIGELLA BITES," and the Meatballs with Orzo is featured in "At My Table: A Celebration of Home Cooking."

For a comforting meal that brings the warmth and richness of Italian cooking into your home, Nigella Lawson's meatball recipes are a perfect choice. Whether you opt for the classic tomato sauce version or the innovative orzo combination, these dishes are sure to delight.