Pork meatball sub with tomato relish and pesto

These foil-wrapped delights embrace the essence of a traditional braai while introducing irresistible Italian flavours. Juicy pork meatballs, melty mozzarella, zesty tomato relish, and a touch of pesto meld together to create an explosion of taste. These subs deliver a sizzling, flavour-packed experience that will have everyone returning for seconds.

Cut:
Pork meatball sub with homemade tomato relish and pesto

Ingredients

Ingredients for Pork Meatballs
  • 500g ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
Ingredients for Tomato Relish:
  • 4 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
  • 4 sub rolls or baguettes
  • Mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Store-bought pesto sauce
  • Foil for wrapping

Method

Pork Meatballs:

Combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg in a large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs of the desired size.

Place the meatballs in a med-high heat pan generously doused with olive oil and occasionally turn until they are browned and cooked through about 8-10 minutes.

Once cooked, remove the meatballs and set them aside.

 

Tomato Relish:

Combine diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the relish thickens, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the tomato relish cool.

 

Pork Meatball Sub

Preheat your braai to medium heat.

Cut the sub rolls or baguettes lengthwise but not all the way through, creating a pocket to hold the ingredients.

Spread a generous amount of basil pesto sauce inside each roll.

Place several meatballs inside each roll and top with slices of mozzarella cheese.

Spoon tomato relish over the meatballs and cheese.

Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil, ensuring the seams are sealed to prevent leakage.

Place the foil-wrapped sandwiches on the braai grid over medium heat and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes (turning occasionally) or until the cheese is melted and the bread is heated through.

Remove the foil-wrapped sandwiches from the braai and carefully unwrap them.

Serve the delicious Pork Meatball Subs hot, and enjoy the delightful combination of juicy pork meatballs, gooey melted cheese, tangy tomato relish, and the fresh kick of pesto.