This is a favorite weeknight meal of ours.

The sweetness of the pork and the leek against the saltiness of the soy sauce is just delightful. Add a bit of parmesan here and you are in umami land galore.

Polpettine di maiale con porri

2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
450 g lean ground pork
2 big leeks, white part only, finely sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons cornstarch diluted in a bit of cold water
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Start by cooking the leek in the oil over medium-low heat until soft but not colored. Add a bit of water to prevent coloration if needed.
2. Take about 1/3 of the leek mixture and transfer to a bowl with the meat, soy sauce, egg, parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well with your clean hands to combine. At this point, the meat mixture will be kind of wet. Let it sit for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Form the meatballs and make them a bit smaller than a golf ball. In a non-stick skillet, cook them in a bit of olive oil over medium heat, turning frequently, until brown all over.
4. Transfer the meatballs to the other pan containing the leeks, add the wine and the broth, cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes.
5. Add the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce and the parsley, check seasonings and serve hot with a side of vegetables and brown rice.