Cook the rice

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
• Cook the rice in salted water until tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.

Shape and brown the meatballs

• Mix the ground beef with half of the chopped onion, the garlic, salt and pepper.
• Roll into small meatballs.
• Brown them in olive oil in a frying pan.

Make the stew

• Add the remaining onion to the pan and soften.
• Pour in the tomato passata and season.
• Return the meatballs and simmer until cooked through and the sauce thickens.

Build the rice dome

• Place one plate inside another as in the video.
• Pack the cooked rice into the top plate and press it down well.
• Let it rest so the rice holds its shape.

Flip and serve

• Flip the plates together to release the rice dome.
• Lift off the top plate.
• Spoon the meatball stew around or inside the rice dome and serve.