FOR THE MEATBALLS:
MINCED BEEF
350g
MINCED PORK OR PORK SAUSAGE
150g
STALE BREAD
150g
PARMESAN CHEESE
80g
EGGS
2
MILK
500 ml
A HANDFUL OF PARSLEY
GARLIC
1 clove
SALT
PEPPER
BREADCRUMBS
FOR THE SAUCE:
TOMATO PASSATA
700g
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
4 tbsp
GARLIC CLOVE
1
A HANDFUL OF BASIL LEAVES
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
How to Make Italian Meatballs
Step 1
Step 1. Start by soaking the stale bread in milk for at least 10 minutes. This will help give your meatballs that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2
Step 2. While the bread is soaking, combine the minced beef, minced pork, eggs, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley in a large bowl.
Step 3
Step 3. Once the bread is soft, squeeze out any excess milk and add the bread to the meat mixture. Mix well until everything is combined. If the mixture feels too soft, add breadcrumbs to firm it up.
Step 4
Step 4. Rub your hands with olive oil and roll the mixture into small meatballs. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and help the meatballs keep their shape while cooking.
Step 5
Step 5. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. You can also cook them directly in the sauce if you want a lighter version.
Step 6
Step 6. In another pan, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic until golden. Remove the garlic when it’s golden brown.
Step 7
Step 7. Then, add the tomato passata and if you can’t find passata you can use canned San Marzano. Season with salt and pepper and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 8
Step 8. Gently place the meatballs in the sauce and let them cook for another 30 minutes, absorbing all the tomato goodness.
Step 9
Step 9. Once cooked, sprinkle some fresh Parmesan and basil leaves on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with your favorite side dish or over pasta. And there you have it, tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, ready to impress your taste buds.
