👨🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until you have a homogeneous mixture. Form balls about 3-4 cm in diameter.
2. Fry the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the meatballs over medium heat until evenly browned. Drain them on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In another saucepan, sauté a clove of garlic in the oil. Add the tomato passata, a pinch of salt, and the basil. Cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
4. Combine the Meatballs with the Sauce
Add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer over low heat for at least 20 minutes. The meatballs will absorb the flavor of the sauce, becoming even softer and tastier.
5. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and toss with the sauce and meatballs.
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🍷 Tips and Variations
Want an extra touch? Add a tablespoon of ricotta cheese to the meatball mixture for even softer meatballs.
For a baked version, you can bake the meatballs at 180°C for 25 minutes instead of frying them.
The pasta shape can vary: bucatini, linguine, or tagliatelle work well.
Perfect accompaniment: crusty bread and a glass of Chianti or Primitivo.
