I don't just have a compulsion to buy kitchenware when I visit IKEA, I cannot resist sneaking in a few bags of meatballs. And maybe a couple of boxes of biscuits...
Life is busy, so having tasty things in the freezer is a massive help for the nights when we have lots going on. Meatballs are perfect for this, as they can be enjoyed in a host of different dishes. Having said that, being my house, we most often eat them with pasta.
This recipe is sort of etched in my brain and I run on auto-pilot while I'm making it, like many of my favourites.
IKEA Meatballs & Pasta
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1/2 onion, chopped
As many IKEA meatballs as your heart desires
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1tbsp tomatoe purée
Heaps of oregano, around 1tbsp dried
Basil, 1tsp of dried, or a few torn leaves
1tsp Marmite
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Method:
Heat some oil in a large pan and cook down the onions with a generous pinch of salt. When they start to soften, add the meatballs and cook until nicely browned. Don't worry about cooking them all the way through.
Add the oregano, tomato purée and chopped tomatoes. Mix to coat. Then, using the empty tin of tomatoes, fill it halfway with water and add this to the pan.
Add the marmite and stir - trust me on this. The umami power of marmite is unrivalled! Then add the basil and simmer for around 30 minutes.
While the sauce is cooking down, cook you pasta. You can use whatever you have in the cupboard!
If the sauce reduces down too much in this time, add a little pasta water to make it thick and glossy. Otherwise, toss your pasta in the sauce and serve up!