This week we make italian meatballs that even your Grandma would approve. It's based off a famous recipe from Lidia's Italian-American kitchen. The meatballs use a simple blend of bread crumbs, beef, pork, parsley, garlic, and plenty of Parmesan cheese.
Recipe here: http://lidiasitaly.com/recipes/detail/804
Before mixing.
Roll into 1.5in diameter balls.
Dredge lightly and evenly in flour.
Brown, but don't overcook.
Nice pics this week, Dan...or should we say Victoria!
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Put meatballs in sauce to finish cooking.
Center nice and tender.
Dan served the meatballs atop spaghetti squash. So healthy, man.
This was my second favorite meal. This was honestly delicious. I had never thought to dredge the meatballs in flour to give them that nice crispy exterior.
One of my qualms, and this is more self directed, is that I did not let the meatballs simmer in the sauce long enough. Also, I used cheap Kraft Parmesan, blame the girlfriend.
This recipe is so simple and requires so few ingredients that everyone should try it.
For a healthier alternative use spaghetti squash, just remember to poke holes in it and put it in a bowl containing water for no more than 10 minutes.
Until this Sunday, a le' cuisine.
Mo's Version and Comments
Use your hands to combine and don't overmix.
Light dredge in flour is key. Really helps brown the meatballs.
Let cook in delicious, delicious sauce. Use canned San Marzano tomatoes if your store has them.
Finish with basil. Always.
Awww yeah.
Serve on a big plate. Ladle over extra sauce on individual portions. Mangia!
Some things of note:
-We used whole wheat fettuccine, which came out great.
-Since it wasn't specified, we used 93/7 ground beef along with the ground pork. The meatballs were very flavorful. Probably wouldn't go leaner than that, though.
-Follow Lidia's tips on draining the pasta ladling over a bit of sauce and parmesan. This flavors the pasta well and will be the method I use in the future.
This recipe is perfect as is. Follow it to a T and you will have perfect spaghetti and meatballs.
Next week- La prossima settimana!
