Spaghetti with Sausage Meatballs ___

Spaghetti with Sausage Meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage meat, casings removed
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely minced
  • 3 extra virgin olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 28 oz can peeled tomatoes, pureed by a blender
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 3 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to serve

Directions

To make the meatballs:

  1. In a mixing bowl combine the sausage, cheese, garlic and basil and mix together until combined. Shape into 24 meatballs and transfer to a plate.  
  2. Put a large saute pan over a medium high flame and heat the oil. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.  

To make the sauce:

  1. In the same pan add the garlic and saute until golden, about 1 minute.  Add the pureed tomatoes, water, salt and basil and meatballs to the pan.  Lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.  
  2. Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Drop the spaghetti in and cook until al dente.  Drain and add to the pan with the sauce. Toss for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Serve in warm bowls sprinkled with grated parmigiano reggiano cheese.