A True Italian Classic
Meatballs
2 lbs ground meat (I like 1lb each beef and pork)
Panade for meatballs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup panko
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Arromatics: No need to be exact about the following (fresh is best, dried is fine):
- Around 2 tablespoons-ish parsley, finely chopped
- 4 -6 cloves garlic, grated, pressed, or finely minced (use fresh here)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Orange Zest
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Cotija Cheese
Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil, or however much you need to coat the bottom of the pan you’re using
- 2 large shallots or 1 onion, peeled and halved, root in tact
- 5-6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced longwise
- Basil sprig
- Thyme sprig
- Bay leaf
- Oregano sprig
- Pinch Chile flakes
- Orange peel
- Tomato purée or crushed Tomatoes (28oz can)
- Whole plum tomatoes (28oz can)
Instructions
Get the sauce going before making meatballs to give it maximum simmer time
For the Sauce:
- Put all ingredients EXCEPT TOMATOES (ingredients 1-9) into a cold pot or sauté pan
- Turn heat on to medium-low. You want to bring all the ingredients up to temp SLOWLY to infuse the oil, but you don’t want stuff to brown too much
- Once oil is infused and things are sizzling gently (15 or so minutes), dump the can of crushed/puréed tomatoes into the pot with all the other stuff
- Fill empty can half way with water and slosh around to capture juices and add to the pot
- Crush whole tomatoes by hand, and add to the pot
- Stir, and allow to simmer on low, stirring occasionally, while you make the meatballs
For the Meatballs
- Mix panade ingredients together and let sit for 20 or so minutes while you prep everything else. It’ll start soupy, but ultimately after the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid it’ll be more like a paste
- Once panade is nice and pasty, Mix the ground beef, other ingredients, and panade together in a large bowl by hand. Form into meatballs; I like mine big but go for whatever size makes you happy
- Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray (or drizzle with oil)
- Place meatballs on baking sheet or cookie tray; broil under high heat for 2-4 minutes until browned on top
- Remove from oven; add to sauce and allow to cook through, 30 – 45 minutes
Serve with 1lb spaghetti noodles (cook according to package directions) and garlic bread