How to Make Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1¾ oz (50 g) fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1¾ oz (50 ml) skimmed milk
• 14 oz (400 g) fresh lean pork mince (10 per cent fat)
• 1 onion, very finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tsp crushed fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 10½ oz (300 g) dried wholegrain spelt spaghetti or wholemeal spaghetti
• salt and pepper
• fresh basil leaves, to garnish

• 4½ oz (125 g) courgettes, coarsely grated
• 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1 lb 2 oz (800 g) canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar

1. Mix the breadcrumbs with the milk and leave to soak for a few minutes, then transfer to a mixing bowl and add the pork, onion, garlic, parsley, fennel seeds, and salt and pepper to taste. Combine well, then shape into 16 meatballs, transferring each to a plate as you make them.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan with a lid. Add the meatballs and cook, uncovered, over a medium–high heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly brown. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon, cover and set aside.
3. To make the sauce, reduce the heat to medium and add the grated courgettes to the frying pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for a few seconds.
4. Add the tomatoes, tomato purée, maple syrup and vinegar, mix thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for a further 10 minutes.
5. Return the meatballs to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce, then cook for a further 10 minutes, or until about half the liquid has evaporated and you have a rich sauce.
6. Meanwhile, prepare your spaghetti pot with a strainer and bring very lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it is tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the spaghetti, transfer to a serving platter and spoon the tomato sauce and meatballs on top. Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.