• Olive Oil
• 1 Large Onion – chopped finely
• 75g Pine Nuts – roughly chopped
• 500g Ground Beef
• Herbs – fresh or dry to taste (Oregano, Basil, Rosemary etc)
• 2 Tsp Fennel Seeds – ground
• 50g Fresh Breadcrumbs
• 250g Ricotta Cheese
• 25g Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 1 Egg – beaten

Method:

1. Heat the Olive Oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and soften the Onions for 5 minutes then add the Pine Nuts and cook until they are golden.
2. Add the garlic and cook out on a lower heat then set aside to cool.
3. Put the Ground Beef, Herbs, Fennel, breadcrumbs, Ricotta, Parmesan, Lemon Zest and Egg into a bowl and mix together.
4. Then add the and Onions & Pine Nuts, mixing gently until combined.
5. Add Salt & Pepper to taste and test fry a small ball to check the seasonings.
6. Leave overnight in fridge for best results.
7. Make ‘Golf Ball’ size balls and slightly flatten to make them easier to cook.
8. Cook the Meat Balls in Olive Oil until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve with Tomato Sauce – see Old Man’s Rich Tomato Sauce!