
Ingredients
- 3½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed or grated
- 500g passata
- 30g basil, leaves picked and left whole, stalks finely chopped
- 1 pinch caster sugar
- 20g white breadcrumbs
- 1 splash milk (any type)
- 500g pork mince
- 1 onion, grated
- 1½ tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp chilli flakes, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 lemon, zested
- 200g Tenderstem broccoli
- 4 white submarine rolls, split open
- 4 cheese slices, each cut into 3 or 4 pieces
Method
Step 1
For the sauce, heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a pan over a medium-low heat. Add the garlic; cook, stirring, for 1 min. Add the passata, basil leaves and stalks, sugar and some seasoning. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 mins, stirring regularly.Step 2
Meanwhile, make the meatballs. Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl and set aside for a couple of mins to soften. Add the mince, onion, fennel seeds, chilli flakes, egg and lemon zest and season generously. Mix well, then roll into 20 golf ball-sized meatballs.Step 3
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry for 10-12 mins or until browned all over, turning halfway.Step 4
Carefully drop the meatballs into the sauce. Cook, uncovered, for 10 mins or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and luscious.Step 5
Heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Rub the broccoli with the remaining ½ tbsp oil; cook for 10-15 mins, turning, until softened.Step 6
Lightly toast the subs under a grill, then layer them up with pieces of broccoli and 4 or 5 meatballs. Top each with a few pieces of cheese, briefly grill again to melt it, then tuck in. Chill any leftover meatballs and sauce in a sealed container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.