polpettes

What is a polpette you might say? I describe it as something between a burger patty and a meatball. It is a pretty dish, has an abundance of flavor, isn't entirely difficult and with some changes can be VERY healthy. As it is, the recipe makes 6 servings at 443 cals a piece with beef.

1/2 slice white or wheat bread, crust removed
3 tbs mild
1 1/2 lb ground beef (i plan on using chicken or turkey next time for a healthier option that i think will taste even better!)
1 egg beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
evoo for frying
2 large tomatoes sliced
1 T chopped fresh oregano (i used dried)
1 mozzarella cheese (in water) cut into 6 slices
6 drained canned anchovies cut in half lengthwise (i omitted this one)
salt and pepper

preheat oven to 400 degrees. put the bread and milk into a small pan and heat very gently, until the bread absorbs all the milk. mash it to a pulp and leave to cool. (i didn't do this hot, i just did it in a bowl on the side.)

put the meat into a bowl with the bread mixture and the egg and season with salt and pepper. mix together well with wet hands then shape the mixture into six patties. spread the breadcrumbs out on to a plate and press the patties in them to coat thoroughly.

heat about 1/4" oil in a large frying pan. add the patties in batches and fry for 2 min on each side, until browned all over. transfer the patties ot a greased oven proof dish, arranging in a single layer.

lay a slice of tomato on top of each patty, sprinkle with oregano and season with salt and pepper. place the mozzarella slices on top. arrange the anchovies on top.

bake for 10-15 min until the cheese has melted. serve hot.