Hot and Sour Meatballs with Chinese Noodles

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people

The Meatballs can be prepared in advance, and will freeze.

Meatballs are popular any time of the year and welcomed by the whole family. In this recipe I have used the power of several spices to give the hot and sour flavour. The tomato sauce is extremely versatile should you wish to make double and use it for pasta, over chicken, shepherd's pie or as a layer in a lasagne dish!

Ingredients

4 cups lean minced lamb
2 garlic cloves - peeled
1/2 inch fresh root ginger - peeled and roughly chopped
½ small red chilli - finely chopped and de-seeded
1 teaspoon dried cumin
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 egg
2 tablespoons matzah meal
Salt and Freshly ground black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion - peeled and finely chopped
3 scallions - roughly chopped
2 cloves of garlic - roughly chopped
6 cups tomatoes - roughly chopped
1 bunch of fresh basil leaves - roughly chopped
2 teaspoons - powder sugar
½ red chilli - de-seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sweet and sour sauce
½ cup red fruity wine
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 cups Chinese Noodles or similar thick noodles

For the Garnish - A large bunch of fresh cilantro Dusting of freshly ground black pepper

Method
1) To make the tomato sauce, heat the olive oil and gently sauté the onion, scallions and garlic. Add the tomatoes and cook for 2 –3 minutes.
2) Add the chopped basil, ½ a red chilli and cover the pan and cook for a further 10 minutes over a moderate heat.
3) Add the sugar, vinegar, red wine, sweet and sour sauce and season well. Bring to the boil and simmer for a final 10 minutes.
4) Liquidise and then check the seasoning.
5) For the meatballs whizz all the ingredients in a food processor until well combined.
6) Season with salt and pepper.
7) Using wet hands, make small meatballs by patting the meat as lightly as possible.
8) Heat the olive oil in a large shallow skillet. Add the balls and cook over a moderate heat until brown on the underside. Turn the balls over and continue cooking until browned. Remove to a warmed plate.
9) Re-heat the sauce and add the meatballs and cook for a final 10 minutes.
10) Cook the noodles according to the instructions.


To serve the stylish way: Place a heaped spoonful of noodles onto a large warmed bowl and then add the meatballs with the tomato sauce. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a dusting of freshly ground black pepper.