Recipe

"Da Meat a Ball" - as Grandma Angelo would say...

"Da Meat a Ball" - as Grandma Angelo would say...

Photo by lapadia

  • This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Meatballs
  • Chef

    lapadia's Notes: This is a slightly modified recipe from my Grandmother, who came to this country from Bari, Italy after my Grandfather had lived and worked in America a few years and was finally able to send...

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Makes 10 large meatballs

PREPARING THE BALLS:

STEP ONE = Add all sauce ingredients (below) to a 6 quart sauce pan and start simmering Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2-lb ground sirloin and 1/2-lb ground pork Ask a question about this ingredient

2-ounces fresh artisan bread-torn (homemade or from the bakery) Ask a question about this ingredient

1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley Ask a question about this ingredient

2 smashed garlic cloves Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 cup micro-plane grated Pecorino Romano cheese Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon toasted onion powder Ask a question about this ingredient

5 grinds fresh pepper - to your taste Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 teaspoon oregano (I like using dried from Penzeys) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 egg, lightly beaten Ask a question about this ingredient

1/4 cup olive oil for browning Ask a question about this ingredient

  1. Add olive oil to a fry pan; set aside. Place the ground meat in a bowl; set aside.

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  2. In a food processor, add the torn bread, parsley, garlic, grated cheese, onion or onion powder, pepper, and oregano; then pulse until finely processed.

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  3. Add the bread mixture and the beaten egg to the ground meat; gently toss with your hands until all ingredients are incorporated. The mixture must feel moist, (slightly sticky) and be able to hold together; add 1 tablespoon of water at a time if you feel the mixture needs more moisture.

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  4. Gently form the meat into lightly packed balls.

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  5. Heat the fry pan – medium high heat; fry the balls, brown and crisp all sides. Brown only the outside of the meatball to seal them together. Note: I have also browned these in the oven @ 375 degrees for ½ hour, turning a few times.

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  6. Transfer the meatballs to an already simmering sauce and cover. The inside of meatball will cook in the sauce.

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  7. Simmer sauce for about 2-3 hours; until the sauce is sticking to the balls, they look juicy, and the aroma is filling the air with “Italian goodness”.

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THE SAUCE (start at least an hour before the meatballs are browned):

  1. 1-28 ounce can organic crushed plum tomatoes with basil. 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional). 2 tablespoons Amore concentrated Sun-Dried Tomato Paste (a favorite addition of mine that adds an extra rich flavor). 6-8 cloves smashed and minced garlic. Salt/Pepper.

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  2. Keep a couple slices of fresh bread close by for "sauce testing", a bottle of your favorite red wine for adding a little moisture to the sauce, if needed...and for sipping too!

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  3. RE: the lingo “sauce” vs. “gravy”…awww, that’s a family thing, but I have always loved the debate over it all!

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26 Comments on "Da Meat a Ball" - as Grandma Angelo would say...

Copy_of_me Reply

My hat if off to all the meatball recipes entered, all of them tasty; I especially like reading about the recipe’s origin, most of which hold a special place in the heart, passed down from generation to generation…Thanks to all for sharing stories, pictures and recipes!!

Copy_of_me Reply

correction....my hat IS off...hate it when I do that

Newliztoqueicon-2 Reply

Sorry my comment a while back was deleted, but not my feelings about such a terrific recipe. Family recipes lie close to my heart. This one is a winner!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks so much! I always look forward to seeing your recipes and your family pictures too!

Img_1958 Reply

These sound (and look) soo good. I am going to start with your (and your Grandma Angelo's) recipe to make my first really authentic Italian meatballs and sauce!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thank gingerroot, enjoy your meal...eat, drink and be merry!!

Wedding_pictures_162 Reply

yum

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks drbabs, I hope you try it sometime!

Reply

Everything you come up with is delicious. Still have my favorites though.

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks and back at you, waiting to see a recipe or two from you! Oh, and one of your favorites is out here...Braciole!

Reply

Very delicous and the meatballs make great meatball sandwiches too:)

Copy_of_me Reply

Yes, I ♥ meatball sandwiches, my favorite is cold; to slice the meatball, spread some mayo on good Italian bread, sprinkle some cheese and sandwich it all together.

Winnie100 Reply

These look really authentic and delish!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks, WinnieAb!

New_years_kitchen_hlc_only Reply

Mmmmm, so delicious! Love the recipe and really love the story. It's wonderful, isn't it, how a dish can evoke not just tastes and smells, but also the laughter and the love of the people who have shared it. ;o)

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks AJ, and yes, so true about the memories a dish can evoke!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks for checking out what I have been up to, and where you can find a recipe or two, actually there are so many excellent meatball recipes (and more) that I need to try!

Copy_of_me Reply

And...you all know who I am talking to!

Reply

I've tasted this recipe and it's da best. Mangia!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks!

Reply

I will give this a try. Thank you for remembering how to make these. I still remember those dinners

Copy_of_me Reply

Happy Cooking!

Reply

Linda,

This sounds delicious. Can't wait to try it.

Karen

Copy_of_me Reply

Love to get your feedback!

Ab_sum Reply

These sound classically perfect!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks, and I am thinking about your Garbanzo meatballs as I type!

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