It’s an early supper tonight because of soccer… so, the boys have requested Spaghetti and Meatballs 😋
I get my Marinara Sauce on early…
I make a huge batch because I’m going to make several things with it!!
HERE’S how it goes…
CAN after CAN of crushed all natural Tomatoes…
I probably use 7 to 8 large cans…
The Italians say… when using canned Tomatoes, for every can add half a can of Water!!
Not wishing to disappoint the ITALIANS, I do just THAT… well, actually I have some fresh (leftover) chicken stock from something else, so I swill out the cans with that then go to water…
Then a good cup of Vermouth…
Tomatoes are VERY acidic… so, you need some sweetness to balance…
My preferred choice is Balsamic Vinegar… about 1/2 cup… you can always add MORE!!
A can of Tomato Paste…
Tomatoes LOVE Salt… so, generously season…
Bring the Sauce up to a boil, stirring occasionally… then, after bubbling for a few minutes, turn it down to its lowest heat…
And let it blip blop away for HOURS… the longer the better!!
Stirring every now and again!!
Time to crack on with the Meatballs…
Good quality Sausage Meat… I have sweet Italian, just over a lb ( 1 1/4 )…
Zest a Lemon and add to the Meat…
A couple of tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese, cuz that’s ALL I HAVE… they could take a bit more!!
Then turn the meat over… and do the same as to the other side…
Make some fresh Breadcrumbs to go in… because I ALWAYS have some good spare Bread around threatening to go stale!!
Take the crust off…
Chunk…
Whizz…
Plonk… about 2 small handfuls in…
I used to be under the misconception that Breadcrumbs are a filler… and of no benefit to such a Meat Dish… just a way of padding out the meat!!
HOWEVER, I now know better…
Breadcrumbs hold the Juices released from the Meat… therefore help retain the flavor in the Meatball, Meatloaf or whatver else might call for them!!!
WHO KNEW 😝
Errrr… CHEFS KNEW 👍
Sprinkle the Juice of half the zested Lemon into the mix!!
The consistency becomes quite moist…
Throw in some fresh Basil… stocks and all… into the Sauce…
Then gently drop the Meatballs in… I made about 27…
Sometimes I brown the little things first… I didn’t want to make a mess of my stove top today because my housekeeper did such a good job cleaning it yesterday 😝
So I’m braising them today…
They’ll be lovely and tender for it!!
I’ll check one after 45 minutes…
Meanwhile, prep up some Spaghetti… and be ready for the meatballs…
Plate it up and finish with fresh basil…
Now that’s COOKIN’ Dinner With Jane!!
👍👍👍
