P is for Porcupines for The Kids Cook Monday

Porcupines. Funny name but a great budget friendly family dinner.  I remember first making Porcupines when I was in high school Home Ec class.  Basically Porcupines are meatballs made from a mix that includes uncooked rice that are then simmered in pot of tomato soup/pasta sauce.  The name porcupines refers to the bits of rice that stick out from the meatballs when they are cooked.

Bear is developing a real liking of meatballs so this was the perfect time to try out this recipe.  I used a very basic recipe for this meal but you can jazz yours up according to your family's tastes.  Try adding more herbs and seasonings to the basic meatball mix.  Or use a tomato and veggie soup or pasta sauce.

Porcupines
Serves 4-6
Download a free recipe card here

Ingredients
500g beef mince (or a combination like pork and veal)
2 tablespoons plain flour + 2 tablespoons for rolling
1/2 cup rice, uncooked
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste
1 440g can tomato soup or 500g bottle tomato pasta sauce

Directions

1. Place mince, flour, rice, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix well.

2. Roll into balls and then coat lightly in flour.

3. Mix soup with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil in a large saucepan.  If you are using pasta sauce you will only need 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water.

4. Add meatballs to the saucepan trying to keep them in one layer.

5. Simmer gently for 1 hour.

6. Serve with vegetables and crusty bread.