Pork Meatballs in Creamy Chive Sauce with Chips and Green Beans

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark Chop the potatoes lengthways into 1cm slices, then chop into 1cm wide chips (no need to peel). Pop onto a large baking tray. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat. Spread out in a single layer. TIP: Use two baking trays if necessary. When the oven is hot, roast on the middle shelf until golden, 25-30 mins. Turn halfway through.

Step 2

Meanwhile, peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). In a large bowl, combine the Italian style herbs, breadcrumbs, water and salt for the breadcrumbs (see ingredients for both amounts), then add the pork mince and half the garlic. Season with pepper and mix together with your hands. Roll the mince into even-sized balls, 5 per person. Pop your meatballs onto another baking tray. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw mince.

Step 3

Trim the green beans. Roughly chop the chives (use scissors if easier). When the chips are halfway through cooking, turn them and add the meatballs to the top shelf of your oven. Bake until browned on the outside and cooked through, 12-15 mins. IMPORTANT: The meatballs are cooked when no longer pink in the middle.

Step 4

When 10 mins of baking time remain, bring a saucepan of water with 1/4 tsp salt to the boil. When boiling, add the beans and cook until tender, 3-5 mins. Once cooked, drain in a sieve and pop back into the pan, off the heat. Season with salt and pepper, add a knob of butter (if you have any), then cover with a lid or foil to keep warm. Set aside.

Step 5

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a medium frying pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the remaining garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, 30 secs. Stir in the creme fraiche, chicken stock paste and water for the sauce (see ingredients for amount). Bring to the boil and simmer until slightly thickened, 1-2 mins. Once thickened, stir in three quarters of the chives. Season to taste with pepper, then remove from the heat.

Step 6

When everything is ready, stir the cooked meatballs through the creamy sauce and warm through if necessary. Share the meatballs and sauce between your plates. Sprinkle over the remaining chives for those who'd like them. Serve with the chips and green beans alongside. Enjoy!