Spaghetti with meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs: A Classic Italian Feast

Who doesn’t love a plate of spaghetti covered in rich sauce and delicious meatballs? This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and colors that will turn any meal into a celebration. Whether you want to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting dish, this recipe is the ideal choice. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed:

For the meatballs:
- 700 g ground meat (a mix of pork and beef is ideal)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for frying

For the sauce:
- 4 fresh tomatoes or 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 liter of tomato puree
- 1 white part of a leek (finely chopped)
- 1 red onion (or yellow if you don’t have)
- Olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic (optional, minced)
- Oregano (fresh or dried)
- Basil (fresh or dried)
- Dried chili (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta:
- 500 g spaghetti
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat with the finely chopped onion, egg, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. It's essential to mix well so that all ingredients combine perfectly.
2. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, form meatballs of your desired size (about 3-4 cm in diameter). They will become delicious and juicy during frying.
3. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry them until golden brown on all sides. Remove them to a bowl and set aside.

Preparing the sauce:

4. In the same skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the red onion for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the chopped leek and red pepper, sautéing until softened.
5. Meanwhile, chop the fresh tomatoes into cubes and add them to the skillet when the vegetables are ready. If using canned tomatoes, you can add them directly.
6. Add the tomato puree, chili, oregano, basil, and minced garlic. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cooking the pasta:

7. In a large pot, add water, half a teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the water starts to boil, add the spaghetti and cook al dente, following the package instructions (for one minute less than the indicated time).
8. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a few tablespoons of the cooking water.

Finalizing the dish:

9. Put the meatballs back in the skillet with the sauce, mix well, and let them simmer together for 5 minutes on low heat. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper.
10. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out.

Serving:

11. On a deep plate, place a generous portion of spaghetti, cover it with the meatball sauce, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Choose quality ground meat that contains a good fat ratio for perfect meatballs: juicy and flavorful.
- If you want to make lighter meatballs, you can use chicken or turkey meat.
- For extra flavor in the sauce, add some olives or capers; they will provide a unique taste.
- The sauce can be prepared a few hours in advance, and the meatballs can be frozen for a quick meal in the future.

Nutritional benefits:

This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Ground meat provides essential protein, while the vegetables in the sauce bring vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while basil has anti-inflammatory properties.

Estimated calories per serving: 600-700 kcal, depending on the ingredients used and the portion of pasta.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use beef or pork instead of a mix?
Yes, you can use any type of meat you prefer, but a mix of pork and beef gives the best taste and texture.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more dried chili or a few slices of fresh chili pepper to the sauce.

3. How can I store the meatballs for later use?
The prepared meatballs can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers.

4. What side dish can I serve with spaghetti and meatballs?
A fresh green salad or a cabbage salad with lemon and olive oil pairs perfectly.

5. What drinks go best with this dish?
A dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, perfectly complements the flavors of this dish. Additionally, a fresh lemonade can be a refreshing choice.

Possible variations:

- You can turn this recipe into a vegetarian one by using vegetable or tofu meatballs.
- Replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini for a healthier, low-carb option.

I hope this spaghetti and meatballs recipe will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of joy to your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!