Braised Pork and Fennel Meatballs

Oh, how I love fennel with pork. This recipe is from Gail Simmons- found at kitchendaily.com.



1 pound lean ground pork
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons toasted fennel seeds
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Braise:

2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced
1 small onion, finely sliced
1/2 fennel bulb, trimmed and finely shaved
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoons ground fennel
1 28 oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes

Crusty baguette, sliced on the bias to serve

Combine the pork, garlic, and fennel seeds in a large bowl and season with salt and red pepper flakes. Mix well then form into approximately 14 2-inch round meatballs. Set on a tray in the fridge to firm up while you prepare the braising sauce.

In a large Dutch oven heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add garlic, onion and fennel. Cook until onions and fennel are very tender and lightly caramelized - about 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper then add ground fennel seeds. Deglaze with white wine and pour in tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes.

Set a large saute pan over high heat and add vegetable oil. When very hot, brown meatballs all over, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer meatballs to the Dutch oven and nestle them in sauce. Cover slightly with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes until very tender. Serve with toasted baguette points.