Beef Meatball Melt With Basil Oil

Preheat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C (fan)/ 425°F/ Gas 7

Combine the beef mince, panko breadcrumbs and a generous pinch of both salt and pepper in a bowl and give everything a good mix up (clean hands is the best way!)

Divide the beef mince into 14 [28] and shape them into meatballs 

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with a matching lid and a drizzle of vegetable oil over a medium-high heat

Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for 3-4 min, turning occasionally, or until they're browned all over

Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion[s] 

Top, tail, peel and grate the carrot[s] 

Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to a plate and return the pan to a medium heat

Add the grated carrot and chopped onion to the pan with a pinch of salt and cook for 4 min or until softened 

Meanwhile, peel and finely chop (or grate) the garlic 

Once the onion and carrot have softened, add the chopped garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 min further

Meanwhile, boil a kettle

Add the chopped tomatoes, Italian seasoning, a pinch of sugar and a generous pinch of both salt and pepper to the pan

Add half of the balsamic vinegar (you'll use the rest in your salad dressing) 

Add 150ml [250ml] boiled water and return the meatballs to the pan 

Cook, covered, for 5-6 min or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly 

Meanwhile, rip the ciabatta up into rough, bite-sized pieces 

Drain, pat dry and rip the mozzarella ball[s] into small, bite-sized pieces

Once thickened, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a baking dish (or individual baking dishes) 

Top with the ripped mozzarella, ciabatta, a generous drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of both salt and pepper 

Put the dish in the oven for 10-15 min or until bubbling and golden

Meanwhile, chop the basil finely, including the stalks

Grind the chopped basil and a pinch of salt in a pestle & mortar to form a smooth paste

Add 2-4 tbsp olive oil and mix well – this is your basil oil

Rip the red gem[s] into rough pieces and add them to a large bowl