SPAGHETTI WITH MEATBALLS Italians LOVE meatballs and there are so many ways to make them. Herbs make an importance to taste with meatballs so experiment with your favorite herbs by all means. a nice idea is to add (rather than in the recipe...a pinch of dried oregano, a pinch of Thyme and a pinch of dried Basil goes very nicely as well!)
INGREDIENTS FOR THE MEATBALLS 1 onion, chopped finely 1 clove garlic, chopped finely 3 cups minced lamb OR beef 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs 1 tablespoon olive oil salt and ground black pepper FOR THE SAUCE 1 1/4 cups Passata* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1 clove garlic, chopped finely salt and ground black pepper 350g/12oz spaghetti fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve DIRECTIONS To make the meatballs, mix together the onion, garlic, lamb/beef, egg yolk, herbs & seasoning until well blended. Divide the mixture into 20 pieces & mould into balls. Place on a baking sheet, cover with clear film & chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan & add the meatballs. Fry for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Add the tomato sauce, basil, garlic & seasoning to the pan & bring to the boil. Cover & simmer for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are tender. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of boiling & salted water according to instructions on the packet. Drain thoroughly & divide among 4 serving plates. Spoon over the meatballs & some of the sauce. Garnish each portion with a fresh rosemary sprig serve immediately with plenty of fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Notes *PASSATA is a rough tomato sauce that you can buy in bottles or packets, with or without herbs, in most supermarkets or delicatessens. Use as you would use tinned tomatoes ie in pasta sauces, lasagne, soups and stews. Basically Passata is just sieved tomato pulp. NOTE: It is very nice to have a good Montepulciano d'Abruzzo red wine which comes from a grape used to make this classic Italian red wine. Serve also, at my suggestion, a light green should you wish. Live simply. Speak kindly. Care deeply. Love generously. Leave the rest to God. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Access the Recipes And More list archives at: http://www.mail-archive.com/recipesandmore%40googlegroups.com/ Visit the group home page at: http://groups.google.com/group/RecipesAndMore -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
