Spaghetti with Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic for a reason, and this recipe takes a classic to another level. It comes with my preschooler's personal seal of approval!
Servings 4 -5
Ingredients
- Spaghetti cooked as per the packet instructions
- For the meatballs this recipe is for approximately 18 meatballs:
- 300 grams pork mince
- 1/2 red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped parsley fresh or dried
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- For the Marinara-inspired Sauce:
- 1 garlic clove grated
- 1 white onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 can of chopped tomato blended to a puree in a blender
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon each of chopped parsley basil and sage (dried or fresh)
- a pinch of nutmeg
- 4 olives seeds removed, chopped
- 3-4 sun dried tomatoes coarsely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- To garnish:
- Grated Parmesan or and hard cheese of your choice
Instructions
- To make the sauce:
- In a saucepan, add the olive oil and heat the pan on medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped onion. Fry for a minute until the onion turns translucent.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients to the pan. Stir it well and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5-6 minutes on low heat.
- To make the meatballs:
- Combine the minced meat along with all the ingredients for the meatballs. Make small balls and transfer them to a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 180 C for 8 minutes.
- Once the sauce and meatballs are done, toss the spaghetti in the sauce, coating it well. Then serve the spaghetti with the meatballs, topped with a sprinkling of Parmesan.
Notes
You can prepare the sauce ahead and double the quantity to make enough to last at least a couple of meals. Store it in an air-tight jar in the fridge.
The meatballs can also be prepped a day in advance, refrigerated and then baked just before the spaghetti is cooked. With a little planning, this meal comes together in around 5 minutes.
The meatballs can also be prepped a day in advance, refrigerated and then baked just before the spaghetti is cooked. With a little planning, this meal comes together in around 5 minutes.