Italian Meatballs & Sauce

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1. 1

   Crush the tomatoes

   Start the sauce first, since it simmers for 90 minutes. Pour both cans of tomatoes into a bowl and crush them with your hand, leaving some chunks.

2. 2

   Bloom the aromatics

   • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat.
   • Add the red pepper flakes, garlic, onion, sugar, salt, pepper, and most of the oregano, basil, and mint, saving a pinch of each for the end.
   • Simmer gently about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the oil smells of the herbs.
3. 3

   Simmer the sauce

   Turn the heat to medium-high and add the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then turn to low, partly cover, and simmer 90 minutes, stirring a couple of times so it doesn’t stick.

4. 4

   Soak the breadcrumbs

   While the sauce simmers, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk in a small bowl for 20 minutes.

5. 5

   Cook the onion

   • Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Cook the onion, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Turn to low and cook 5 minutes more.
6. 6

   Mix the meatballs

   • In a large bowl, gently combine the beef and pork without overmixing.
   • Add the onion, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan, and mix just until combined. Hands work best.
7. 7

   Chill (optional)

   Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour. It makes the mixture easier to shape.

8. 8

   Heat the oven and shape

   Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil and cooking spray. With wet hands, roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.

9. 9

   Brown

   Brown the meatballs in a frying pan over medium heat, about 2 minutes per side, just to color the outside. Move them to the baking sheet.

10. 10

    Bake

    Bake 15 minutes, until cooked through.

11. 11

    Finish the sauce

    When the sauce is done, take it off the heat and stir in the reserved herbs, the Parmesan, and the butter.

12. 12

    Combine and serve

    Add the meatballs to the sauce and keep it warm until you’re ready to eat. Serve with pasta.