MEAT BALLS

                   MEAT BALLS

You don't have to be Italian to love one of the greatest creations in food.   My Grandpa Ernie made the best Meat Balls on Earth.  He would use lots of fresh Garlic right out of his own garden and large uncooked pieces of Onion.  This recipe is based on his method.  Meat Balls are almost necessary when you eat Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce.  Steaming hot, tender and full of spice and flavor, these Meat Balls will bring some vegetarians back to eating meat.  And who can resist the Meat Ball Sandwich!  Use these delicious Meat Balls with my Tomato Sauce and you will be Cooking The Amazing.

         Grandpa Ernie

Here is the recipe.

1 lb.  Ground Chuck Beef

1/2  lb.  Ground Italian Sausage

3  Eggs, large

1/4 c  Whole Milk

1  Yellow Onion, medium, diced

4  Garlic Cloves, crushed fine

1 1/2 c  Sour Dough Bread Crumbs, fresh

1 c  Parmesan Cheese, grated

1 t  Sea Salt

1 t  Pepper, fresh ground

2 t  Oregano, dried

4 T  Olive Oil (for frying)

Makes about 20-25 Meat Balls.

1.  These Meat Balls can be pan fried in Olive Oil or baked at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes on a foil lined cookie sheet.

2.  If baking, preheat your oven 350 degrees.

3.  In a large bowl lightly whisk the Eggs with the Milk.

4.  Add the Ground Meats and all the other ingredients at once.  To make Sour Dough Bread Crumbs simply grate fresh bread on a box grater or use a food processor.  If you don't have a food processor or box grater, remove the crust and tear into very small pieces by hand.

5.  Using your hands, mix well, but do not over work it.  It will toughen the Meat Balls.  Be gentle.

6.  Roll the mixture into 2 inch round balls using your hands being careful not to compact too tightly.

7.  Line a cookie sheet with foil if baking or put a large pan on medium-high heat with 4 T Olive Oil in the pan.   Keep the Meat Balls from touching so they will brown and not steam.  You will need to do this in two batches. 

8.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or saute on all sides until browned and the inside is done then drain off excess oil.  The Meat Balls should be very browned on the outside.  This will help them stand up to simmering in Sauce and stay intact for 2 hours.

9.  To make very tender Meat Balls add them to Tomato Sauce and simmer on the stove top on low heat for 2 hours mostly undisturbed so the Meat Balls don't break apart. Stir gently every 20 mins.

TIP:  Use fresh Bread Crumbs that you grate yourself.  Any kind of fresh white bread will work if you don't have Sour Dough Bread.  Store bought bread crumbs in a can are the last thing you want to use if you are going to the trouble of making Meat Balls by hand.  They will dry them out and make them rubbery.

                                                     

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