Italian Meatballs with Hidden Mediterranean Vegetables

Ingredients 

  • 2 slices of white bread, crusts removed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 medium brown onion, grated
  • 500g minced beef or chicken
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Spaghetti and Meatball Italian Spice blend
  • 1 zucchini, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced 
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Handful of olives
  • Handful of fresh basil and/or parsley, to serve

Method 

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, soak the white bread slices in milk for 5 minutes. Add grated onion, minced meat, lightly beaten egg, Parmesan cheese,  a tablespoon of Spaghetti and Meatball Italian Spice and grated zucchini. Mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls.
  2. Cook the meatballs: Add the olive oil to a large heated skillet and cook the meatballs until they are browned and cooked though. 
  3. Saute the garlic: Add the garlic to the pan and saute it for one minute
  4. Simmer in a marinara sauce: Pour the diced tomatoes around the pan, add another tablespoon of Spaghetti and Meatball Italian Spice and the olives. Bring to a simmer, reducing heat if the sauce starts bubbling too rapidly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through.
  5. Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and/or parsley and serve with cooked pasta.