Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 pound ground veal
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped and sauteed
• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup pure olive oil

Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 (28-ounce) cans plum tomatoes and their juice, pureed in a blender
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small bunch parsley
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 6 basil leaves, chiffonade

Spaghetti:

• 12 cups water
• Salt
• 1 pound #8 or #9 spaghetti
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garlic Bread:

• 1 stick soften butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 country loaf, cut into 3/4-inch slices

Meat Ball Preparation

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl, except olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat the oil in large saute pan over medium-high heat. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and fry until golden brown, but not cooked through completely. (remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.)

Tomato Sauce Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft.
2. Add pureed tomatoes and juice, bay leaf and parsley, pepper flakes and salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, add meatballs and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove the bay leaf and parsley, add the basil and serve.

Spaghetti Preparation

1. Bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente.
2. Drain well in a colander, toss in sauce, serve with meatballs and Parmesan cheese.

Garlic Bread Preparation

1. Combine butter and garlic. Spread evenly on bread and broil until browned.

Yields 4 servings.