Meatball and Mozzarella Sandwiches

Over the last four years I have tried many recipes, among those are meatballs, I like them because they are so versatile – they can be made with any kind of meat and served with anything. Bread, rice, potatoes or pasta, not to mention the fact that they are inexpensive to make, I guess all that’s left to do now is find that one recipe which really makes me want to cook it over and over again. Here is another to add to the meatball list!

Meatball Sandwich with Mozzarella and Tomato Salsa

1 small onion, peeled and finely diced

2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced

Extra virgin olive oil for frying

1tsp dried chilli flakes

500g minced beef

75g fresh breadcrumbs

3-4 tbsp milk

4 ciabatta rolls

2 balls of mozzarella, torn

Sea salt and black pepper

For the salsa

3 tomatoes, finely chopped

½ red onion, peeled and finely chopped

1tbsp chopped parsley

1tsp white wine vinegar

Pinch of salt

1.       Sauté the onions and garlic with seasoning for about 5 minutes, they should be soft and look slightly coloured, after about 2 minutes of cooking time add the chilli flakes. In a large bowl using your hands, clean of course! And because it is still more fun than using a spoon, combine the mince and some seasoning, moisten the breadcrumbs in the milk using a separate bowl and then add them and the onions to the mince, mush it and squish it with your hands until really well combined and then shape into balls, put them onto a plate or tray, cover and place in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes.

2.       Mix all the salsa ingredients together and place to one side.

3.       Next in a little oil fry the meatballs  over a medium heat, until lightly browned and cooked through, allow to rest.

4.       Slice the bread and toast the middles under a grill until golden, place the meatballs on one half of the bread pressing them down, spoon over any juices from the pan and top with the torn mozzarella. Place them back under the grill until the cheese has melted, finish by spooning the salsa onto the rolls and topping with the other half.