Forum Thermomix

Thermomix Recipes for TM5 and TM31 => All In One Meals using the Varoma => Topic started by: asha_76 on April 27, 2012, 03:39:39 am

Title: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: asha_76 on April 27, 2012, 03:39:39 am
Hi all,

This is a Nigella recipe that I've been making for ages but only just did it in the TM with great results!

PASTA WITH MEATBALLS - adapted from Nigella Bites by Nigella Lawson
SERVES - 6

MEATBALLS
INGREDIENTS
1 garlic clove
250g minced pork
250g minced beef (I used 500g combined beef & pork mince that you can get from Coles)
1 egg
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs or semolina
Grind of black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION
1. Put garlic in TM bowl and chop for 2 seconds on Speed 7.
2. Add all other ingredients and mix for 10 seconds on Speed 5, using the spatula to ensure all ingredients are combined.
3. Form the meat mixture into balls and place into greased Varoma dish.  If you have more meatballs than will fit in the dish, put the remainder on greased Varoma tray.  (Larger ones are better in dish & smaller on the tray).

TOMATO SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
20g unsalted butter
20g olive oil (not extra-virgin)
700g bottle tomato passata
350ml cold water
Pinch of sugar
Salt and pepper
100ml full-fat milk

PREPARATION
1. Place onion, garlic and oregano into TM bowl and chop for 5-10 seconds on Speed 7.
2. Add the butter and oil and sauté for 3 minutes at 100° on Speed 1.
3. Add the bottle of passata, cold water, sugar, salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes on 100° Speed 1.
4. Add the milk and then place the Varoma into position and cook for 20 minutes at Varoma temperature on Speed 1.
5. When cooking time has finished, place the meatballs into the Thermoserver and cover with Tomato sauce from the TM jug before serving over cooked pasta.

TIPS & HINTS
Nigella recommends serving these with tagliatelle.  I use store bought or make some using the pasta dough recipe in the EDC. If anyone wants to make the pasta to her recipe, the ingredients are –

PASTA
400g Italian 00 flour
Fat pinch of salt
4 eggs




Brumington: ...added a zucchini, capsicum, carrot and mushrooms into the sauce
.....used tinned tomatoes instead of passata
....put in some beef stock that I've had frozen for months and just wanted to get rid of it!
...added a dollop of umami

MEP: Reduced water to 200ml
Added an extra teaspoon of sugar, fresh basil, a shake of bolognaise herbs and two cut up carrots.

Judy:I did 1.5 times meatball mixture but just the 1 quantity of sauce - it was plenty for the extra balls.  7-8 serves in this house over pasta

Jamberie: About 4 minutes into steaming I added a heap of Brussels sprouts to the varoma tray. I thought they might be a fun veggie to add as they are a similar size to the meatballs and the sauce disguised the taste for those who are not fans! I added the meatballs and Brussels sprouts to the thermosaver then poured the sauce over the top.

ES:  I didn't have any pork mince, so I used all beef. I think my mince was too lean, so next time I'll add the pork. I also increased the mince to 750g. I couldn't fit all the meatballs in one layer in the top tray, so I put some in the bottom tray as well.

Bubbles: I use 500g beef mince and 250g pork mince and increase the rest of the meatball ingredients to suit. I also add carrot, zucchini & celery to both the meatball mixture and the sauce for added vegies for the kids.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Halex on April 27, 2012, 05:09:31 am
Thank you, I love Nigellas recipes. This is on the list to do.

H :)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: cookie1 on April 27, 2012, 06:38:29 am
I have some opened passata in the fridge just waiting to be used.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: dede on April 27, 2012, 10:27:43 am
This sounds great, will go well with my first attempt at making my own pasta ;)

(when I get around to it) ;D
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: KerrynN on May 05, 2012, 11:29:13 am
Made this tonight and it was yummy! I added mushrooms, a carrot, some capsicum and zuchinni to the sauce. A simple, quick and easy meal.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Brumington on May 05, 2012, 12:26:45 pm
This sounds lovely.  It's definitely on my to do list.  I have some pasta dough in the freezer so that's one step in the right direction!
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Bubbles on May 07, 2012, 01:02:26 pm
Oh my goodness I made this tonight and it was delicious!!! I couldn't believe how easy it was, and I used my first batch of home made pasta (yay!). And the best part was my kids absolutely loved it. Thanks asha76 :)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: asha_76 on May 07, 2012, 01:43:19 pm
No problem...I'm glad everyone liked it.   I actually think it tastes better cooked in the TM than it did when I used to make it on the stovetop!
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Bubbles on May 19, 2012, 12:23:04 pm
I made this again last night. This time to impress my brother so that his wife, my S.I.L can get a TMX! He loved it and so did his kids, plus my family thought it was delicious again!
I've got a lot of left over sauce this time, any suggestions as to what to do with it? I thought perhaps a base for a vegetable lasagne? (I haven't made lasagne in TMX yet)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: snappy on May 19, 2012, 12:32:43 pm
Bubbles I use my left over pasta sauce as a tomato base on pizzas.  Also can go over some cannelloni or enchiladas another night.  Just freeze it and I'm sure you will find plenty of uses for it.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Bubbles on May 21, 2012, 01:06:50 pm
Snappy I used some on pizza bases last night and it was a hit! My DH was unsure, but after tasting he agreed that it added a whole new flavour to the pizza-thanks :)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: snappy on May 21, 2012, 01:36:13 pm
No problem bubbles!  We love it on pizzas too.  Makes the perfect Maragrita.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: obbie on May 24, 2012, 05:46:07 am
ooh, thanks for this one.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Merlin on May 25, 2012, 01:56:59 am
I've made this twice now and I'm making it again today to take to a family dinner tonight. My kids definitely inhale this one and I cant make enough of it- I usually have to use double the amount of ingredients. I have never had leftovers yet, but it would be a great one to freeze as well.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Brumington on May 28, 2012, 10:44:12 am
We had this for dinner tonight and the whole family loved it.  It was our first taste of Varoma meatballs and I have to say they're really nice.
I was forced to change a few things due to what we did and didn't have in the cupboard so I ...

...added a zucchini, capsicum, carrot and mushrooms into the sauce
.....used tinned tomatoes instead of passata
....put in some beef stock that I've had frozen for months and just wanted to get rid of it!
...added a dollop of umami

I thought it was really tasty and will definitely become a regular meal in our house.

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: dede on June 10, 2012, 08:18:54 am
Wanted something quick and easy for tea tonight, so this is cooking away now. Will report back on the verdict :D
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: dede on June 11, 2012, 01:48:30 am
Well this was enjoyed by most (except DD 8 ) a nice and quick meal. Will be making again :)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: MEP on June 19, 2012, 02:08:04 pm
Thanks very much for posting this recipe. It's very tasty. I made it tonight, but tweaked as follows:

Reduced water to 200ml
Added an extra teaspoon of sugar, fresh basil, a shake of bolognaise herbs and two cut up carrots.

Will definitely be making this again.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Stoked on June 19, 2012, 03:32:57 pm
Subbing so I can find this again :D
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: judydawn on July 17, 2012, 06:05:59 am
GS loves meatballs so I thought I'd try this recipe today.  I was distracted during the first stage, had the chopped onion and garlic in the bowl with the butter and oil but forgot to saute it.  Went onto the next step before realising what I had done but it had no effect on the taste at all although I generally don't like raw onion in sauces.  I will try it with some vegies in the sauce next time but today he was hungry and I just wanted to get it done.  I did 1.5 times meatball mixture but just the 1 quantity of sauce - it was plenty for the extra balls.  7-8 serves in this house over pasta although GS wanted baked beans mixed with the sauce and pasta today and grandma's always give in to their demands, especially in relation to food  ;D
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Bubbles on July 19, 2012, 04:46:58 am
That's what Grandmas are for  ;D
That's a good idea increasing meatballs but not sauce, I will have to try that next time.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Jamberie on August 12, 2012, 04:17:37 am
I've been looking forward to using my TMX to make these and they didn't disappoint!

I followed the original recipe, but I forgot to add the milk at the end. About 4 minutes into steaming I added a heap of Brussels sprouts to the varoma tray. I thought they might be a fun veggie to add as they are a similar size to the meatballs and the sauce disguised the taste for those who are not fans! I added the meatballs and Brussels sprouts to the thermosaver then poured the sauce over the top.

Will most definately be making this again and again and again!
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Bubbles on August 12, 2012, 08:22:42 am
Jamberie do you have kids and did they eat the brussels sprouts? (or those that are not fans of them)? This is on my menu plan for this week, and I also brought brussel sprouts this week as they were cheap at aldi.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Jamberie on August 12, 2012, 12:38:40 pm
Hi Bubbles, yes I have a 23month old....she's a pretty good eater but not too fussed on the Brussels sprouts (it was her first taste though so I'll keep trying til I succeed  ;) )....next time I think I will puree some more veg into the tomato sauce for the extra veggie kick! Super kid friendly dinner though!
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: judydawn on October 09, 2012, 02:49:48 am
Made this for vegie hating, meatball loving GS today and included celery, carrot & mushrooms in the sauce.  He said it was deeelicious and Grandpa didn't think it was too bad either  ;D  I always cook my sauce on varoma temp/speed 3-4.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Jamberie on October 09, 2012, 05:39:58 am
I think this is one of my favourite veggie smuggling dishes JD, great to hear that GS approved the extra veg!
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: EmeraldSue on October 10, 2012, 11:08:49 am
I made this tonight in my Thermo Chef. I chopped my onion and garlic with 2 carrots, a sprig of parsley, fresh oregano and a zucchini on speed 5. I didn't have any pork mince, so I used all beef. I think my mince was too lean, so next time I'll add the pork. I also increased the mince to 750g. I couldn't fit all the meatballs in one layer in the top tray, so I put some in the bottom tray as well.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/10/ja4a9ymu.jpg)
I also used speed 2 on cook( varoma) temp when steaming the meatballs. The meatballs looked cooked before the time elapsed, so next time I might reduce the cooking time, as my meatballs were on the small side. There was plenty of food, and I have some leftovers. I will make these again
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/10/atarynah.jpg)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Curry Diva on November 17, 2012, 01:30:55 am
Yay. Gonna do this yummy sounding dish tonight. Thank you
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: DeeCat on March 24, 2013, 06:23:41 am
Made these a few nights ago, they were popular with the kids, and tasted even better the next day for lunch!
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Bubbles on April 03, 2013, 01:50:47 pm
These are a regular in our household. I use 500g beef mince and 250g pork mince and increase the rest of the meatball ingredients to suit. I also add carrot, zucchini & celery to both the meatball mixture and the sauce for added vegies for the kids. So yummy and so easy.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: astarra on April 04, 2013, 12:53:39 am
Bubbles!!! You are back!!!  :D I have missed you - hope  everything has been good?  :-*
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Bubbles on June 12, 2013, 11:28:59 am
Whoops I just noticed your post astarrra! SO SORRY its taken me a while to respond! I was about to rave about this recipe and noticed I did so already in April!! I can't keep up with all the various threads so I'm terribly sorry I hadn't noticed your message! Yes everything is absolutely wonderful, I've had a baby girl who is very happy and healthy so we are now a family of 5 :) And I just noticed you are due very soon?! How exciting! I hope you are keeping well.  :-*
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: BeezeeBee on July 05, 2013, 01:17:33 pm
Fantabulous recipe! Easy to make, everything from the pantry and so delicious :) :P
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: josephinecooks on August 03, 2013, 10:13:42 am
Love this recipe, I make it mostly as is. When I'm working, ill make it a day or two before and it tastes just as good.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: ViolinCuddles on August 31, 2013, 09:51:26 am
Made this tonight with half beef half chicken and it was FABULOUS! Thank you!  ;D I bought 500gm each of the chicken and beef mince so have another batch of meatballs in the freezer for a busy day.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Ekusumo on October 28, 2013, 01:55:26 pm
Thanks for this recipe. It was very well received at home and it's so easy too! I served it with mashed potatoes. Will be a staple in our home :)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Prattles on February 19, 2014, 09:43:46 am
Hi All,

I made this tonight and the tomato sauce was super watery.  I followed the recipe exactly, but there is no way this sauce could be used on pizza etc as some of you have stated.  Any idea what went wrong?  None of the ingredients in the sauce appear to be "thickeners".
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: BeezeeBee on May 05, 2014, 02:27:56 am
Whipped up this recipe for lunch yesterday, between rushing from soccer matches and going to the boys' piano school concert. Used 1 onion in the meatball, instead of Parmesan cheese. Running low on Parmesan in the freezer.

Tested out 17 meatballs in the airfryer, and steamed the rest as per usual.

Airfryer was preheated to 200c. Placed meatballs on baking paper in the basket. 5 mins then removed the paper. Flipped the meatballs and cooked for a further 5 mins.

Verdict: airfried meatballs were tastier than than the steamed versions.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/05/5e3ade8e.jpg)
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Meeg70 on September 09, 2014, 09:15:51 am
 :D this was FANTASTIC! Thanks so much for sharing
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: cookie1 on September 09, 2014, 01:21:09 pm
Welcome to the forum Meeg70. Thanks for reviewing the recipe.
Title: Re: Pasta with Meatballs
Post by: Cornish Cream on September 09, 2014, 03:25:58 pm
Welcome Meeg70. It's always great to get feedback on the recipes here.I hope you try many more.