Meatballs with Red-Wine Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 3/4 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- About 2 ounces prosciutto or pancetta, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh ricotta, drained
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- A handful grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano (about 1/4 cup), plus more to pass at table
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon (about 1/3 palmful) fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon (about 1/3 palmful) crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon (about 1/3 palmful) dried oregano or marjoram leaves, lightly crushed
- About 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- About 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- A fat drizzle plus 2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 cloves garlic, 2 grated, 2 sliced
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red dry wine
- 1/2 cup beef or veal stock
- 2 cups passata (Italian tomato purée) or tomato sauce
- Warm crusty Italian bread
Position a rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 475°F degrees.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the meats; season with salt and pepper. Add the ricotta, parsley, 1/4 cup grated cheese, the egg, spices, a fat drizzle of EVOO and the grated garlic. Stir in the moistened breadcrumbs; mix to combine. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions; divide each portion into thirds and roll each into a large meatball, to make 12 meatballs. Bake on a rimmed nonstick or parchment-lined baking sheet until just cooked through and slightly crispy, 16-18 minutes.