Spaghetti, Meatballs and Lady and the Tramp

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Valentines Day and … Meatballs?

You might be surprised to hear this, but I am not a sweet person. That is, I don’t eat lots of sweets. I prefer savory dishes, and if I indulge in any one department it usually involves salt, not sugar. So, this Valentine’s Day when I found myself thinking of a special meal to prepare for my family, a rich chocolate cake was not at the top of my list. Instead, I will make delicious comfort food, something sating and homey, pleasing to the entire family – and savory, not sweet. So, this is on our menu for the big day: Spaghetti and Meatballs. And don’t tell me that isn’t romantic either;  you need only to look to Lady and the Tramp for inspiration…

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Makes about 12 (2-inch) meatballs. Serves 4.

For the meatballs:
3/4 pound ground pork
3/4 pound ground beef
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound spaghetti
Whole basil leaves for garnish
Finely grated Parmigiano cheese for serving

Combine the pork, beef, garlic, breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, oregano, salt pepper and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add the egg and  mix in with your hands. Lightly form into 2-inch meatballs. Place on a plate, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, without overcrowding. Brown on all sides, turning gently with tongs or a spatula. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel. When all of the meatballs are browned, pour off the oil.

Make the sauce: Without cleaning the skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add onion and saute until softened, 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Add wine and cook, scraping up any brown bits, until reduced by 2/3. Add tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Add tomato paste, oregano, salt and pepper. Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer over low heat until the meatballs are cooked through, about 30 minutes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook unitl al dente; drain. Serve spaghetti with meatballs and sauce ladled over. Garnish with basil leaves and grated cheese.

And here are a few sweeter suggestions for your Valentine’s Day from TasteFood:
Chocolate Brownies
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Pots de Creme

12 thoughts on “Spaghetti, Meatballs and Lady and the Tramp

  1. Oh my gosh, that scene in Lady and the Tramp is one of my all time favorites. I’m like you as far as sweets go. I make a lot of them for others, but I’m big on savory and spaghetti and meatballs is a special dinner to me too.

  2. I am exactly the same way… for me, your meal is a perfect choice for V-day…

    and I started to smile even before I clicked on the link of the Lady and the Tramp, as that is my favorite scene and I knew you would link to it… very very cute!

    Thanks for the recipe, and the smile!

  3. I had just finished early lunch ere coming back to the computer. Guess what: I had curried lamb patties with pasta 🙂 ! Had to smile at that and the recollection of that delightful scene in ‘Lady and the Tramp’ which is in front of my eyes even without having as yet clicked on the link! Uhuh, I may be romantic, but also in a very svoury way! Thanks for the smile 🙂 !

  4. I like savory and sweet! I much prefer a home cooked meal over fighting the crowded restaurants on Valentine’s Day and Spaghetti and Meatballs would surely be a splendid dinner!

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