Ingredients
- 2 x 400g/14oz cans tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin
olive oil - 2
garlic cloves, finely chopped - 1 tsp
dried chilli flakes - 4 tbsp roughly chopped fresh
basil - salt and freshly ground
black pepper - 1 tsp
caster sugar - 500g/1lb 2oz
pork mince - 90g/3oz streaky
bacon, finely chopped - 2 tsp
thyme leaves - 2 tbsp flatleaf
parsley, roughly chopped - 300g/10½oz dried
spaghetti
Preparation method
-
Heat a frying pan until hot, then add the tomatoes and olive oil and bring to a gentle simmer.
-
Add the garlic, chilli and half of the basil and cook for 10 minutes, until reduced and thickened. Season, to taste, with salt, freshly ground black pepper and a little sugar.
-
Place the pork mince, bacon, thyme and parsley into a bowl and mix thoroughly. Season with a little salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
-
Divide the mixture into 16 and shape each portion into a small ball, using your hands.
-
Place the meatballs into the tomato sauce and simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the meatballs are completely cooked through.
-
Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to packet instructions.
-
Drain the spaghetti, then add to the tomato and meatball sauce. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and add the remaining basil.
-
To serve, spoon equal portions of the spaghetti and meatballs into warmed bowls.