Meatballs with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Foodland Ontario Published Friday, December 20, 2019 12:46PM EST

Moroccan meatballs, Egyptian burger power balls

Text:

OTTAWA -- Flavourful baked meatballs, coated in a spicy tomato sauce are a crowd-pleasing tapa. Be sure to serve with crusty bread to soak up the yummy sauce.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: about 35 minutes

Baking Time: 12 minutes

Serves 9 as an appetizer

(Makes approx. 30 meatballs)

Ingredients

2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
1 Ontario Onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp (25 mL) tomato paste
4 cloves Ontario Garlic, pressed
2 cans (28 oz/796 mL each) diced tomatoes with liquid
2 tsp (10 mL) each dried oregano leaves and paprika
3/4 tsp (4 mL) each salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
1 Ontario Egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (75 mL) finely chopped fresh Ontario Parsley
1/4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped Ontario Green Onion
2 tbsp (25 mL) Ontario Milk
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cumin
500 g ground lean Ontario Pork

Instructions

In large deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and 2 cloves of the garlic. Add tomatoes, 1 tsp (5 mL) each of the oregano and paprika, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each of the salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Increase heat to high; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes or until thickened. Stir in sugar.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl, using fork, stir together egg, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the parsley, green onion, milk, cumin, remaining garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Add pork; mix until combined. Shape into 30 meatballs, about 1 tbsp (15 mL) each. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink inside.

Stir meatballs into skillet, cover and simmer gently, for 5 minutes. Spoon sauce and meatballs on individual plates and sprinkle with remaining parsley, dividing equally.