Meatballs with basil and roasted pepper sauce

Ingredients

500 g lean minced meat (pork, chicken or turkey)

3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tablespoons tomato puree

3 large red peppers, cut in half, seeds removed

1 onion, chopped

1 celery stick, chopped

1 bay leaf

1 large tomato, chopped

2 tablespoons white wine

4 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Place the pepper halves on a baking tray under the grill for about 20 minutes (alternatively bake in the oven slightly longer at gas mark 5) turning halfway. Take out of the oven, let cool a little and remove as much of the skin as possible. Chop the peppers roughly and set aside.

To make the meatballs, combine the meat, basil, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon tomato puree, season and stir well. Form little balls, heat up 2 tablespoons of oil and fry the meatballs on a medium heat for about 6-7 minutes turning often. Set aside.

To make the sauce, in a saucepan heat up 2 tablespoons of oil, add the bay leaf, onion, 1 garlic clove, celery and tomato, stir and let simmer for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook for another 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, season, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaf, add the peppers and puree. Add the meatballs, heat up briefly if required and enjoy!