Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients
- Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 C. soft bread cubes from sliced white bread (about 2 to 3 slices, including crusts)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 C. milk
- 1 lb. ground beef or beef and pork mixture
- 1/2 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
- 2-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 C. finely chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Sauce:
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 4 15 oz. cans Italian plum tomatoes with their liquid
- 2 Tbs. tomato paste
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1 tsp. red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 lb. spaghetti or other thin noodle, cooked according to the package directions
Directions
Combine the bread, egg, and milk in a mixing bowl, stirring to combine, and let rest for 15 minutes. Mash the bread mixture with a fork to make a smooth paste. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Form the meat into balls about the size of golf balls (or larger if you like) and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400 F oven until browned, about 20 minutes.Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the oil in a pot over moderate heat and sauté the onion until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their liquid, crushing the tomatoes with your hand as you add them. Add the tomato paste, basil, vinegar, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. Add the meatballs and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.To serve, toss about 1 C. of the sauce with the drained spaghetti and divide it between 4 to 6 serving plates. Top with the meatballs and remaining sauce and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.







Reviews (3)
Flag as inappropriate 11021942d | November 8, 2009
Flag as inappropriate | December 15, 2008
Flag as inappropriate Comfortcook | September 3, 2008