Everyone loves a good meatball, and these are good meatballs!!
For the meatballs:
1 lb. ground beef
1 egg, beaten
2 tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
2 tbs. chopped fresh parsley
3 tbs. dried breadcrumbs or semolina
1 tsp. salt
good grinding of black pepper
For the tomato sauce:
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 tbs. olive oil
1 tbs. butter
2 1/2 cups tomato passata
1 tsp. sugar
1/3 cup whole milk
steamed or boiled white rice
Tip all the meatballs ingredients into a large bowl and gently, yet thoroughly, mix together. Form into small meatballs and set aside in the fridge.
For the sauce, cook the onions in the oil and butter over a low heat until softened, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in the garlic, then add the passata and the sugar. Add a bit of water to the passata jar and swirl it about, then add it to the sauce. Season and simmer for 10 minutes.
Drop the meatballs into the sauce and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in the milk.
Prepare the rice according the package directions. Serve the meatball atop the rice with the sauce spooned over.
Cooking with Nigella 