Meatballs in Bacon & Onion Gravy

Meanwhile, put the Italian herbs and panko breadcrumbs into a large bowl. Add the water for the meatballs (see ingredients for amount) and mix together. Add the pork and beef mince, then season with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix everything together until very well combined. Form the mixture into evenly sized balls, 5 per person. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands after handling raw meat.

Pop the meatballs onto a large baking tray and drizzle with oil. 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. In the meantime, heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat. Add the onion and bacon lardons. Cook until the lardons are golden and the onion is soft, 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands after handling raw meat. Cook lardons thoroughly.

Stir the water for the sauce (see ingredients for amount) and the chicken stock paste into the pan, then lower the heat. Simmer until reduced by about half, 4-5 mins. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of water to the boil on high heat with 1/2 tsp salt for the broccoli. Grate the cheese. Mash the potatoes then stir in the grated cheese. TIP: Add a splash of milk and a knob of butter if you have it. Season to taste. Keep warm with the lid on.

Halve any large broccoli florets. When the water is boiling, add the broccoli and cook until just tender, 3-5 mins. Once cooked, drain in the colander.