Mummy dinners

Last night's dinner was what we commonly call a 'Mummy dinner' - creations that come from Mummy's own head rather than a recipe. It happens every now and then, either through necessity or the desire to be a little creative and inspired in the kitchen.

Dinner was to be baked meatballs and spaghetti. Then I thought it would be handy to have it all in one dish, straight from the oven to the table.

I find that makes the last 20 minutes or so before dinner much easier. I know at our house there is so much happening at 5.45. There's a lost slipper and someone's hair needing attention. Novels need to be put down (!!!), home readers put in bags for tomorrow and there is always someone not keen on leaving their artwork unfinished! With dinner in the oven, all the frying, boiling, simmering and straining has been done. The washing up from the pasta, meatballs and sauce was done and put away. The dish stays hot too while we sort everyone out, pour water, dish up etc.

So this is what I came up with. It took longer prep time than the standard meatballs with pasta but I think it was worth it. Not one bit was left - four of us had seconds and everyone was happy. We had our own beans and silverbeet, steamed together, to go with it. The twins are eating green beans now - so pleased about that!

                                

Baked Meatballs and Pasta

Ingredients

Pasta (I used large spirals - about 5 cups raw went into the boiling water)

Meatballs

300g beef mince

2 slices wholemeal bread, processed

1 garlic clove, crushed

zest of one lemon (the lemon flavour just makes the meatballs!)

chopped parsley

salt and pepper

Sauce

1 onion, chopped finely

1 garlic clove, crushed

4 mushrooms, chopped finely

(I used my new hand blender to process finely - twins did not notice the mushrooms!)

1 bottle tomato passata

1 tb worcestershire sauce

a good sprinkle of italian herb mix (oregano or basil would work well too)

salt and pepper

1 cup grated tasty cheese

Drain cooked pasta and spread across bottom of large baking dish

Brown meatballs all over in olive oil over medium-high heat. Spread evenly over pasta.

In same pan, heat a little more oil and fry chopped vegetables for 2-3 minutes, then add rest of sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. Pour sauce over meatballs and pasta, top with grated cheese and bake in moderate oven for about 30 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and cheese has melted and browned.

Hope you enjoy as we did!