Spaghetti and Meatballs

Source: The New York Times International Cookbook (adapted by Barbara Pistrang

The Meatballs (makes about 40 meatballs)

1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1-1/8 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

3 slices bread, cut into small cubes

3/8 cup water

2 cloves garlic, pressed

3/8 tsp nutmeg

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2-1/4 tsp dried basil

3 T chopped parsley (or sprinkles of dried parsley)

3 eggs

1/4 cup olive oil for frying


Place beef in mixing bowl and add the cheese. Combine bread cubes and water. Let stand 5 minutes, then add to beef. Add garlic, spices and eggs and blend well with the fingers. Shape into 1 to 1-1/2 inch balls and brown in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown all over. Add to homemade tomato sauce and serve with spaghetti.


The Tomato Sauce

3 cans Progresso Tomato Puree

1-1/2 cans water (more if you want thinner sauce)

2 cloves garlic, pressed

2 large onions, finely chopped

1 bay leaf

oregano and basil to taste

salt and pepper to taste

2 T wine

pinch sugar


Brown the onions and garlic in a large pot. Add wine. Stir for 1 minute. Add puree, water and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and simmer, partly covered, for about 2 hours. Adjust seasoning to taste. Makes plenty for your meal and for the freezer.


The Spaghetti

Follow package instructions on your pasta box.


Tags: