MEATBALLS AND TOMATO SAUCE – SERVED OVER PASTA

8-10 servings

Ingredients:

Tomato Sauce:

2 cloves crushed garlic

1 small onion finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 can (28 ounces) tomato puree

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

3 tablespoons tomato paste

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon sugar

1 bay leaf

Salt to taste.

Meatballs:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground meat (sirloin, round, or turkey are good choices)

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup plain breadcrumbs

1 egg

1 tablespoon cold water

½ teaspoon olive oil + 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Procedure for Tomato Sauce:

1. In a large non-stick pot heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on high heat for one minute.

2. Lower heat to medium, add garlic and onion and sauté until onion is slightly softened.(Adjust heat to avoid burning the garlic or onion)

3. Add tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar and bay leaf. Stir.

4. Partially cover the pot with a lid, and allow to simmer while preparing the meatballs.(see following recipe)

Procedure for Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl mix together ground meat, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, water and ½ teaspoon olive oil.

2. Shape meat mixture into small balls and place on a plate.

3. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet for about a minute.

4. Lower heat to medium-high and add meatballs, one at a time, to the hot skillet.

5. Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides.

6. Transfer meatballs to the pot of prepared tomato sauce.

7. Partially cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for at least 35-45 minutes( or longer for a richer taste)

8. Adjust for salt and serve spooned over pasta.