Passata is sieved tomato puree; to substitute, puree and sieve canned tomatoes or use canned tomato puree which is similar, but slightly thicker.
Ingredients
Method
1.Combine pork and veal, breadcrumbs, cheddar, eggs, parsley and half the garlic in a large bowl; season. Roll rounded tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place on tray, cover; refrigerate 20 minutes.
2.Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).
3.Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add half the meatballs; cook 5 minutes or until browned all over, shaking pan occasionally. Transfer meatballs to a 3-litre (12-cup) ovenproof dish. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and remaining meatballs.
4.Wipe out pan. Heat remaining oil in same pan over high heat; cook onion, fennel and remaining garlic, stirring, 5 minutes or until softened. Stir fennel mixture, passata and stock into meatballs.
5.Bake, covered, 45 minutes or until fennel is tender. Season to taste.
Use 500g (1 pound) pork mince and 500g (1 pound) veal or lean beef mince instead, if you like.
Fresh breadcrumbs are best made from 2 or 3 day-old bread. Process the bread with crusts into coarse crumbs.
This recipe is suitable to freeze at the end of step 4.
Note
