2sliceswhite bread, crusts discarded, torn into small cubes
1/2cupbuttermilk or 6 tablespoons plain yogurt thinned with 2 tablespoons sweet milk
3/4poundground beef, or 1 pound if omitting ground pork below
1/4poundground pork, to be mixed with ground chuck
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheese
2tablespoonsminced fresh parsley leaves
1large egg yolk
1small clove garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
3/4teaspoonsalt
Ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for pan-frying
Simple Tomato Sauce
2tablespoonsolive oil
1cloveminced garlic
1 28ozcan crushed tomatoes
1teaspoonsugar
1tablespoonminced fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1poundspaghetti
grated Parmesan for topping pasta
Instructions
For the meatballs:
Combine bread and buttermilk in small bowl, mashing occasionally with fork, until smooth paste forms.
Mix all meatball ingredients, including bread mixture and pepper in medium bowl. Lightly form 2 tablespoons of mixture into 1 1/2-inch round meatballs; repeat with remaining mixture to form approximately 18-20 meatballs. (Compacting them can make the meatballs dense and hard. Can be placed on large plate, covered loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for several hours.)
Meanwhile, heat about two to three tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat in 10- or 11-inch non stick saute pan. When edge of meatball dipped in oil sizzles, add meatballs in single layer. Fry, turning several times, until nicely browned on all sides, about 10 minutes, regulating heat as needed to keep oil sizzling but not smoking. Transfer browned meatballs to paper towel--lined plate; set aside. Repeat, if necessary, with remaining meatballs.
For the sauce:
Discard oil in pan, leaving behind any browned bits. Add olive oil along with garlic; saute, scraping up any browned bits, just until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, bring to boil, and simmer gently until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in sugar and basil; add salt and pepper to taste. Add meatballs and simmer. Keep warm over low flame.
For pasta:
Heat 4 quarts of water to boiling in a large pot to cook pasta. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta to boiling water. Follow package directions and cook until al dente, drain, and return to pot until serving.
Notes
This recipe serves about 6 adults.
- The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful the dish will be. Preparing the dish the day before allows for best flavor. This dish may be prepared up to five days before serving. On day of serving, cook pasta and heat up sauce on stove top over low to medium heat for about 45 minutes.