Meatballs

Get more from mince with these great-value recipes, each of them differently inspired

- CASSIE BEST & BARNEY DESMAZERY

barney

From Italian polpette to Pakistani (via the Middle East) kofta, most countries and cultures have a way of transforming mince into beautiful meatball-based dishes, but eating them with lots of other meze bits is my favourite. It just works with the rhythm of my household.I put a platter like this together when we're all eating at different times and it can be enjoyed whether someone is rushing through and only has a moment to grab some food, or two of us are sitting down to eat together properly. Plus, any leftovers will give your kids' school-friends or your work colleagues serious lunchbox envy. Here, I've given you my basic weeknight platter, which I've no shame in saying is mostly made with shop-bought bits, but feel free to make any of them yourself, or add any of your other favourite dips and salads. Barney Desmazery, skills & shows editor

This is a recipe for all occasions - the meatballs can be stuffed into pitta and eaten as a weeknight cheat's kebab, or add more dips and bread for a party platter.

cassie