Meatballs Topped with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Soak the bread in lukewarm water. Peel the onion and garlic, finely chop and sauté in butter. Squeeze excess liquid from the bread and mix with the ground meat, egg, oregano and sautéed onion mixture and season with salt and pepper. Rinse the basil, shake dry and chop 1/2 finely and mix into the meat mixture. Shape into small meatballs and roll in breadcrumbs. Working in batches, sear in hot olive oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan. Slice the mozzarella. Rinse the tomatoes and slice. Cut the remaining basil into strips and sprinkle some over each meatball. Top with a slice of mozzarella, tomato then another slice of mozzarella. Arrange the meatballs, side by side, in a greased baking dish and bake for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining basil before serving.