When the weather changes, so do our appetites.  Well at least mine does.  In the summer, or when it’s hot I prefer to eat cold or cooler food, especially if it means I don’t have to slave away in a hot kitchen.  When it becomes colder as the days draw in, I instinctively yearn for comfort foods and meals that will warm me from the inside out.  Obviously casseroles and stews are categorised as winter dishes, although I once enjoyed a delicious Boeuf Bourgignon in Dijon on a hot summery evening.  I ate outside and didn’t have to do the cooking.

One dish that has been a favourite in my house for many years is a meatball casserole.  It’s easy to cook, is warm and comforting, contains loads of juices for mopping up with bread, and takes far less time to cook than a casserole made with more solid pieces of meat.

Ingredients

500 g (1lb) minced beef
1 slice of bread (can be white or wholemeal)
½ large onion
1 large egg
½ teasp salt
10 grinds of black pepper
2 teasp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp (approx) fresh breadcrumbs
Some plain flour seasoned with salt and pepper
½ large onion finely chopped
2 teasp salt
10 grinds of black pepper
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 teasp ready made mustard (I use Dijon)
2 teasp soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
5 oz tomato pureé mixed with 10 fl oz water

Method

To make the meatballs put the bread, onion, egg, salt, pepper and soy sauce in a food processor or blender until smooth, then add to the minced meat, with breadcrumbs to take up any slack. Put the mix aside for about half an hour to firm up a little. Put the seasoned flour on a plate and form small balls of the meat mixture (you should get six from this quantity) between dampened hands. Roll the meatballs in the flour, squashing slightly to make patty shapes. Heat some oil in a heavy frying pan for about four minutes, add the patties and fry until they are a rich brown colour on both sides. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.

Use the left over oil (or add a little more if necessary) to the pan and lightly fry the chopped onion until golden, add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about five minutes until well combined and starting to thicken. Return the meatballs to the pan, baste with the sauce, cover with a lid and simmer on the hob for about thirty minutes, or bake in the oven (150°C) for about forty-five minutes. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, rice or pasta and any other vegetables that you fancy.  My other half is also happy to eat any leftovers in a sandwich.