How to make meatballs with dried barberries and pine nuts

Warming and comforting, they’re also the perfect carrier of flavour and texture, says Julia Platt Leonard

A comfort food classic and the perfect food for chilly autumn days. All photos Julia Platt Leonard

Meatballs with a garlicky tomato sauce is a comfort food classic and the perfect food for chilly autumn days that seem to be more dark than light.

It’s also the ideal starting point for adding different flavours – sweet dried fruit, crunchy nuts, herbs and spices.

Start with your protein – you can stick with beef mince, but adding pork keeps the meatballs moister. Or go for lamb mince or turkey (but add an egg to keep lean poultry moist).