Spaghetti and Meat Balls

Noodles and Rice and tagged

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.