Herby Meatballs and Linguine

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, mixed herbs and half the garlic with the water and salt for the breadcrumbs (see pantry for both amounts), then add the beef mince.

Season with pepper and mix together with your hands. Roll into evenly-sized balls, 5 per person. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw mince.

Pop the meatballs onto a large baking tray. When the oven is hot, bake on the top shelf of your oven until browned on the outside and cooked through, 12-15 mins. IMPORTANT: The meatballs are cooked when no longer pink in the middle.

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the remaining garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, 1 min. 

Stir in the beef stock paste, finely chopped tomatoes, water and sugar for the sauce (see pantry for both amounts), then cover with a lid or foil and simmer until the sauce has thickened, 6-7 mins. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, when your pan of water is boiling, add the linguine and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back into the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

When everything is ready, pop the sauce back on medium heat to warm through, then stir in the cooked meatballs and linguine.

Stir half the grated hard Italian style cheese through the linguine, then taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.