When you think of Italian food, spaghetti with meatballs is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Every Italian mother and ...
Polpette di Mamma
When you think of Italian food, spaghetti with meatballs is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Every Italian mother and grandmother has their signature polpette (meatball) recipe, and their children will always boast that their meatballs are the best. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Total Time
Prep: 45 min. Cook: 45 min.
Makes
8 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 to 5 fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
8 cups crushed tomatoes
2 cups water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal or pork
1/2 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup 2% milk
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, basil leaves and garlic over very low heat until mixture is very fragrant and garlic turns golden brown, 10-15 minutes. Strain mixture, discarding basil and garlic; set oil aside.
In a Dutch oven, combine crushed tomatoes, water, tomato paste, salt, chopped basil, pepper and reserved olive oil. Bring to a boil; remove ½ cup and set aside. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, while preparing polpette.
Meanwhile, to make polpette, in a large bowl, combine all polpette ingredients and reserved 1/2 cup tomato mixture. Gently mix until combined (mixture will be loose). With wet hands, roll 1/4 cup mixture into balls. Place on a baking sheet. Add meatballs to simmering sauce, gently shaking pan to allow for more space. Bring to a simmer; cook, covered, at least 45 minutes or up to 2 hours.
