Pork Polpette in Rich Tomato Sauce

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil with ½ tsp salt for the rigatoni. Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). Cut the broccoli into thirds. In a large bowl, combine the half the mixed herbs, the breadcrumbs, salt and water for the breadcrumbs, then add the pork mince and half the garlic. Season with pepper and mix together with your hands. Roll into evenly-sized balls, 5 per person.

Step 2

Pop the meatballs onto a large baking tray. When the oven is hot, bake on the top shelf until browned on the outside and cooked through, 12-15 mins. Once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins. When the pasta has been cooking for 5 mins, add the broccoli to the pan for the remaining time. When cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and pop back in the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

Step 3

While everything cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the remaining garlic and fry for 1 min. Stir in the remaining mixed herbs, the passata, red wine stock paste, sugar and water for the sauce. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to medium so the sauce is simmering. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 4-5 mins.

Step 4

Once the sauce has thickened, add the spinach a handful at a time until wilted and piping hot, 1-2 mins. Stir in the butter until melted.

Step 5

Once the sauce has thickened, stir the cooked meatballs, pasta and cheese through the tomato sauce. Toss to coat. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Add a splash of water if the sauce is a little too thick.

Step 6

Share the meatball pasta between your bowls.