Calabrian Ricotta Balls in Tomato Sauce with Pasta

Step 1

If using stale bread slices remove the crusts and blend in a food processor to make breadcrumbs. Drain the ricotta well and then put it in a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the grated cheese and the breadcrumbs. Mix well. Add the eggs, garlic and chopped parsley mix again until you have a soft homogeneous dough. If it seems dry add a little milk. If it seems too wet, add more breadcrumbs. Form the dough into balls. The size depends on preference. Ours were about the size of a golf ball.

Step 2

Cook the garlic cloves in olive oil until they start to soften. Add the halved cherry tomatoes. Turn down the heat and simmer until they are soft too. Add the passata and continue simmering for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3

While the sauce is simmering put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Add salt once it starts to boil and bring to the boil again. Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packet. When the pasta is ready drain it and put it back into the pot. Add some tomato sauce to the pasta and mix well.

Step 4

While the pasta is cooking add the ricotta balls to the tomato sauce. After 5 minutes turn them gently and continue for another 5-10 minutes. Plate the cooked pasta that you have mixed with some tomato sauce. Put 2-3 ricotta balls onto the pasta with some more tomato sauce.

Step 5

Serve immediately with more grated cheese if required.