Meatballs with Orzo and Feta

The method

1. 01

   Preheat the oven to 220°C / 430°F.

2. 02

   Finely chop the onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor.

3. 03

   Mix with the ground meat, egg, vinegar, breadcrumbs, and spices. Season with salt and pepper and gradually add the water.

4. 04

   Shape into 8 meatballs and place in an oiled 30×20 cm baking dish with the bay leaves and allspice.

5. 05

   Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the meatballs.

6. 06

   Reduce the oven temperature to 200°C / 390°F.

7. 07

   Mix the tomato paste, passata, hot water or stock, sugar, salt, and pepper.

8. 08

   Add the orzo to the baking dish, pour over the sauce, and bake for 10 minutes.

9. 09

   Stir well, return the meatballs with their roasted side facing down, and bake for another 20 minutes. Stir the orzo once halfway through.

10. 10

    Increase the oven temperature to 220°C / 430°F, add the feta, and bake for another 5 minutes.

11. 11

    Serve hot with freshly ground black pepper and dried oregano.