Savory Minced Meat Nests with Boiled Eggs and Mozzarella

1.Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

3.Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

4.Stir in the diced carrots and sweet peas, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

5.In a bowl, mix the cooked meat and vegetable mixture with breadcrumbs and dried herbs (basil and oregano). This will help bind the mixture together.

6.In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and gently add the eggs. Boil for 9-10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Once done, transfer them to an ice bath to cool, then peel and set aside.

7.In a baking dish, spread the canned diced tomatoes evenly across the bottom. Add the tomato paste and mix well to create a rich sauce.

8.To form the nests, take a handful of the meat mixture and shape it into a nest in the baking dish, making a small indentation in the center for the egg. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used, leaving space between each nest.

9.Carefully place a boiled egg in the center of each meat nest. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the nests.

10.Drizzle any remaining tomato sauce over the nests and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

11.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

12.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.