Method

• 1.
  To make the bread balls add flour, 1/4 cup (60ml) lukewarm water, oil, yeast and 1/4 tsp salt flakes to the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook. Knead on medium-high speed for 7 minutes, scraping the bottom of the bowl, until soft and elastic. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, and brush the top of the dough with a little oil. Cover with a damp tea towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until soft and pillowy.
• 2.
  Meanwhile, for the sauce, add oil and garlic to a medium ovenproof frypan and heat over medium-low, gently frying for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant. (Be careful not to let the garlic brown.) Transfer 1/4 cup(60ml)ofthegarlic-oilmixturetoa small bowl and set aside.
• 3.
  Add tomatoes with their juices, oregano, basil, sugar and 1/4 tsp salt to the pan and simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Add 2/3 cup (165ml) water, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. Set aside.
• 4.
  Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella into 20 cubes. Transfer the dough to a clean work surface and use a pastry cutter or sharp knife to cut it into 8 equal pieces.
• 5.
  Use your hands to flatten each piece into a 6cm-wide round, then place a piece of mozzarella in the centre. Fold dough up and around, pinching tightly to enclose cheese. Turn the dough ball over, pinched-side down, and use the palm of your hand to roll the dough against your work surface to make a smooth, neat ball.
• 6.
  Transfer to a baking paper-lined baking tray), spacing them evenly apart. Cover with a damp tea towel and leave to proof in a warm place for further 30 minutes.
• 7.
  Preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush the top of the dough balls with a little extra olive oil, then bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Set aside and switch to the grill setting on medium-high.
• 8.
  Return the sauce to medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Add baked bread balls to the sauce, and arrange remaining cheese cubes around them. Transfer to the middle rack of the oven and grill for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bread balls are browned.
• 9.
  Spoon garlic oil over bread balls and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with extra oregano and basil to serve.