BAKED APPLE AND PORK MEATBALLS WITH PASTA

Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 35 mins Serves 4

500g pork mince

1 small brown onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp chilli flakes

1 Tbsp thyme leaves, chopped

1 large Yello apple, peeled, grated

1 free-range egg, lightly whisked

11/2 Tbsp plain flour

Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground

black pepper, to season

2 x 400g jars tomato pasta sauce

1 cup small pasta shells

Basil and flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve

STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional).in a large glass bowl, combine mince, onion, garlic, chilli, thyme, apple, egg and flour. Season. Shape into 12 large meatballs.

STEP 2 In a large deep ovenproof frying pan, combine pasta sauce, 3/4 cup of water and pasta. Add meatballs and stir to coat. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until pasta is tender. Preheat grill to high and sit pan under it for 5 minutes until meatballs are golden. Garnish with basil and parsley to serve.