Tuesday, January 3, 2012

My Version of Spaghetti and Meatballs

My sister thought me this simple and classic spaghetti dish. Good thing I keep a few cans of Del Monte Spaghetti sauce and pasta to whip up some simple and quick meal. This is the recipe I followed. I bought a freshly baked baguette to complete the meal.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground lean beef

2 cups finely chopped onions

1 large egg white

3 tablespoons fine dried bread crumbs

1 tablespoon minced garlic

About 1/2 teaspoon salt

About 1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 can (28 oz.) tomato purée

1/3 cup dry red wine (see notes)

1/3 cup fat-skimmed beef broth

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar

3/4 pound dried spaghetti

About 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Preparation:

1. In a covered 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring 2 1/2 to 3 quarts water to a boil.

2. In a bowl, mix beef, 1/2 cup onions, egg white, bread crumbs, 1/2 tablespoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Shape mixture into 12 equal balls (about 1 3/4 in. each).

3. Place meatballs in a single layer, without crowding, in an 11- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over high heat; turn as needed to brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total per batch. As meatballs are browned, transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

4. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups onions and 1/2 tablespoon garlic to frying pan; stir often until onions begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomato purée, wine, broth, basil, and sugar; stir until boiling.

5. Add browned meatballs to sauce; when sauce boils, cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are no longer pink in the center (cut to test), 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until barely tender to bite, 7 to 9 minutes; drain well.

7. Mound spaghetti in a wide bowl. Pour meatballs and sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and parsley; serve with salt, pepper, and additional cheese to add to taste.