Meat balls with potatoes in the oven

Meat balls with potatoes in the oven

4 tablespoons Sitia Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 lb minced meat (lamb and veal or pork)

1 egg, beaten

2 medium onions, grated

2 mashed garlic cloves

2 slices of stale bread, soaked in water and squeezed dry

3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1 lb tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

6 medium potatoes

salt and pepper

In a large bowl, mix and knead the minced meat, 1 onion, garlic, egg, parsley, bell pepper, bread, thyme, salt and pepper punching the mixture with your knuckles.

Peel potatoes, cut into round slices, season with salt and pepper and place in an oiled baking tray.

Take small portions of the minced meat mixture, shape into balls and gently flatten them. Place on top of potatoes.

Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the other onion for 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, one cup water, salt and pepper and simmer for 5 minutes. Top with sauce and bake in moderate heat for 25 - 30 minutes. Turn meatballs on the other side and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.