(serves 3-4)
Features: Spaghetti, Spaghettini
Ingredients for the Pomodoro Sauce:
- ¼ c Extra Virgin Olive Oi
- 3 Tbs thinly sliced garlic
- 2 lbs fresh ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and thinly slices lengthwise or 3 cups canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice coarsely chopped.
- Salt
- ¼ c. fresh basil sliced into ½” pieces
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredients for the Meatballs & Pasta:
- 1 lb ground lean beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 large eggs
- 1 c. freshly grated Pecorino Romano
- 1 ½ Tbs chopped Italian parsley
- 2 c. bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 c. lukewarm water
- 1 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Step 1: Put all but 1 Tbs of the olive oil and all the in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Step 2: Add the tomatoes as soon as the garlic begins to change color. If using fresh tomatoes, wait for the liquid to reduce before adding salt. If cooking with canned tomatoes season with salt at the start. Continue cooking until tomatoes have separated form the oil (10-20 minutes)
Step 3: Reduce sauce to very low, or remove from heat while preparing the meatballs.
Step 4: Combine beef and pork in a large bowl. Add eggs, cheese, parsley, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Using your hands, blend the ingredients together– continue mixing as you incorporate the bread crumbs. Next, slowly add water, 1 cup at a time, until the mixture is quite moist.
Step 5: Shape the meatballs with your hands into 2” to 3” balls.
Step 6: Heat oil in a large skillet– when the oil is very hot but not smoking, fry your meatballs. You will likely need to work in batches. Cooking until browned and slightly crispy - remove and drain on paper towels. Continue until all meatballs are cooked.
Step 7: Place the meatballs in the Pomodoro sauce and raise heat to medium. Cook within the sauce for 15-20 minutes or until done.
Step 8: While meatballs are cooking within the sauce, cook your felicetti pasta of choice.
Step 9: Drain pasta, reserving some pasta water. Add your spaghetti to the sauce, adding pasta water if needed. Finish with fresh basil. Serve immediately. Boun Appetito!
