Sugar Detox Recipe: Homemade Beef Meatballs with Whole Meal Pasta

Serves 4: Share with friends and family or portion out for other days.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of wholemeal pasta of choice

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 a medium onion, finely diced or grated
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 whole egg plus 1 yolk
• 250g of lean ground lamb
• 250g of lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 1/2 cups of soft whole peeled tomatoes, pureed in a food processor with all the juices
• salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

Preparation

1. Combine the onion, oil, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Add the beef and lamb and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine the ingredients thoroughly with your hands.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs or small logs.
5. Brown the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat in batches until they have a little colour.

For the sauce

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, sauté the onion and garlic in the fat until very soft, about 5 minutes.

1. Add the tomato paste and mix well, allowing it to toast a bit in the hot pan.
2. Add the spices and stir just to combine
3. Add the tomato puree and broth and simmer for 30 minutes to reduce slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Start to prepare water to cook pasta
5. Place the meatballs into the simmering sauce and cook for 10-15 minutes to warm through.
6. Stir in a small handful of fresh mint, either torn or thinly sliced, just before serving.