Succulent meatballs are infused with the smoky garlic and a hint of spiciness from chilli flakes. Nested on a bed of pasta in a savoury tomato sauce, a perfect dish for pasta lovers.

PREP 15m

Ingredients-

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 2 smoked garlic cloves, finely grated

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp oregano

• Splash of red wine (optional)

• 400g chopped tomatoes or passata

For the Meatballs:

• 250g lean beef mince

• 1 smoked garlic clove

• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, finely grated

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp oregano

Instructions-

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs. Roll the mixture into 8-12 meatballs.

2. Lightly coat the meatballs with oil and grill them for 2-3 minutes, or until they're nicely browned. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

3. In a large pan, heat the olive oil and soften the finely diced red onion until it becomes caramelized and golden.

4. Add the finely grated smoked garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

5. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, and oregano. If you choose to use red wine, add it now to deglaze the pan and let it simmer for 1 minute.

6. Pour in the chopped tomatoes or passata and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes.

7. Add the grilled meatballs to the sauce and cook for a few more minutes, ensuring they are heated through and fully coated with the sauce.

8. Serve the smoked garlic and chilli meatballs with spaghetti or linguine, and enjoy!