Tomato Sauce + Spaghetti and Meatballs

Tomato Sauce
It only takes minimal effort to make your own homemade spaghetti sauce. Mine uses San Marazano tomatoes. You can find these in almost any grocery store and definitely at any specialty grocery store like Whole Foods, Fresh Market, or Sunflower Market. they cost a little over a dollar more than regular canned tomatoes and taste much more fresh.

Ingredients:

• 2 28 oz. cans whole peeled San Marazano tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh  basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and let saute for about 2 minutes
2. Meanwhile, open the cans of tomatoes. Begin hand crushing each tomato. If you don't like your tomato sauce chunky, add the full contents of each can to a blender and puree.
3. Add all the tomatoes, including the sauce they were in, to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Add basil, salt, and pepper, and let simmer. If you are cooking this ahead of time and not using it for a recipe that evening, let it simmer for about 20 minutes and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Tip: This is just a base recipe. You can add lots of other things to make it the way you like. Examples: onions, pancetta, bay leaves, parsley, olives, sausage, etc.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Traditionally, meatballs are made from a combinations of ground meats like beef, veal, or pork. Mine just use beef, but you can add any combination you like.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/2 Tbsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1/2 Tbsp. pepper

Directions:

1. Heat a skillet with the oil over medium heat and pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Timing tip: At this time, begin boiling a large pot of water
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until everything is evenly combined
3. Roll individual meatballs in your hands. I mine the size of golf balls
4. After forming each meatball, add it to the oil. Brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the heat. Timing tip: At this time, the water should be boiling. Add about 1 Tbsp. salt and add spaghetti (or whatever shape pasta you like) to the water.
5. Transfer meatballs to a baking sheet and place in the oven. Let cook for about 10 minutes. Timing tip: At this time your pasta should be cooked and drained. Serve meatballs on top of spaghetti and top with spaghetti sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.