This post is an entry for BritMums’ Hungry2Happy Challenge sponsored by Richmond Mini Meatballs and is linked to http://wp.me/p3bVjd-5wB
We love meatballs in this household; I had a passion for them following numerous work trips to Gothenburg. Every time I went to Gothenburg I had to eat meatballs in a great little restaurant for lunch – it became a tradition and something I miss!
So when BritMums and Richmond gave me the chance to try some Mini Meatballs I was up for the challenge, especially as they only take 8 minutes to cook 🙂
This is my quick and easy Pork Meatballs with Spaghetti and tomato sauce. Preparation time: 5 minutes, cooking time 10 minutes, based on quantities for 2 adults and 1 three-year old.Pre-heat oven to 180 deg C/350 deg F or Gas Mark 4
While the oven is heating up prepare the following:
Chop up one small red onion, half a red pepper, half a yellow pepper, a handful of small mushrooms, and finely chop 2 cloves of garlic.
Measure out 75g per person of whole-wheat spaghetti and boil a kettle full of water.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan, and the chopped ingredients and fry gently until soft (approx 5 minutes).
Add a teaspoon of basil and oregano and a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes and simmer. Stir as necessary.
By this time the oven should be up to temperature.
Add the spaghetti to a saucepan full of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes, at this time put the meatballs in the centre of the oven on a baking tray and continue cooking everything for a further 8 minutes.
Drain the spaghetti, serve, add the tomato sauce and top with meatballs. I had some Feta cheese that needed finishing so myself and Daddy P had that cubed on top, my son had some grated cheddar cheese.
For Daddy P and I, this was our first experience of pork meatballs. We both thought they reminded us of pork sausages tastewise but seemed a bit bland. Saying that, for a quick, easy meal, and let’s face it, with kids, sometimes that’s exactly what you need, then these are ideal.
I have also thought the same about the taste, they are like mini-sausages without the skins, taste not much of anything, but that’s probably ideal for kids who don’t like strong flavours. I have also done meatballs with pasta as one of my serving suggestions, just need to edit the photos and do the post.
Yes I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the taste. I bought two packets so need to think of something to spice them up a bit 🙂
They are great for kids aren’t they – especially being so quick to do. I never thought about adding mushrooms, but the my oldest doesn’t like them. Yours looks great.
Thanks, certainly quick and easy. Mine will eat mushrooms one day and not the next, but loves them raw in salad – kids
Quick and easy works for me. Commenting for myself and on behalf of BritMums and thanking you for taking part