CLASSIC SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

CLASSIC SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs is totally underrated. As someone that grew up on spaghetti with jarred tomato sauce I think it’s easy to become disillusioned with this meal as something that’s borne of necessity and not something that can be fancy and upscale.

Let me tell you, though, that this recipe absolutely kills it. And I think that anyone would be delighted to order this at a fancy Italian restaurant- I promise it’s that good.SM2 First, let’s talk marinara. This sauce is a little outrageous in it’s time-intensiveness. But I promise you it is absolutely worth it. Ever wondered how restaurants get that gloriously sweet, tangy, and mellow tomato sauce that scratches that perfect Umami itch? Well, wonder no longer- it’s all about a slow and low simmer.

With the lid off. You are concentrating the flavors by liquid reduction, not just simmering.SM3 And the other thing unique about this recipe is that there is NO onion.

I know- I was confused about that when I first saw this recipe too. But fear not, there is still tons of flavor in the form of 12 garlic cloves. You don’t miss the onion, and in fact this recipe made me wonder why we automatically assume that there needs to be onion in marinara..? Isn’t it all about pure, unadulterated, tomato-y bliss..?SM4 Moving onto the meatballs- this is a pretty classic Italian meatball recipe. No extra fancy bells and whistles, just a trio of the 3 perfect meats (beef, pork, and veal), combined with moistened breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, and a little garlic.

They were wonderfully flavored and tender and matched the flavor of the marinara without competing with it.

A rarity, as I normally abhor leftovers, Dave and I ate this meal 3 days in a row and I could still come back for more. But the point of informing you of this gluttony is to let you know that the sauce and meatballs reheat beautifully and the flavors only meld more together with time.SM5

Gah I can’t express enough how much I love this recipe.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend everyone! Perhaps this spaghetti and meatball recipe will be making it onto your table…?