Pork, mushroom and almond al forno (pork dumplings with paparadelle)

Method

1. In a big bowl, mix the minced pork, suet, flour, egg yolk, sage, almonds, orange, cumin and seasoning.

2. Shape into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place on a piece of greaseproof paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

3. To make the flavoured stock, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a low heat, and fry the onions, carrots, fennel and mushrooms for 5-10 minutes - or until softened. Add the fennel seeds and pour in the stock. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven to 160C/gas 3. Remove the stock from the heat, strain, and pour into a deep casserole dish.

5. Drop the pork dumplings into the hot stock and add the pasta. Cover and bake for 40 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and the dumplings are tender.

6. Serve straight away with Parmesan cheese shavings and crisp croutons.