Meatballs with Red-Wine Tomato Sauce

By Tufgrlz

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 - 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 3/4 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 About 2 oz. 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
• 1/2 About 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/2 About 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• A fat drizzle plus 2 tbsp. EVOO
• 4 cloves garli - 2 grated, 2 sliced
• 1 1 small onion, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup beef or veal stock
• 2 cups passata (Italian tomato puree) or tomato sauce
• Warm crusty Italian bread

Details

Adapted from rachaelraymag.com

Preparation

Step 1

Position a rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 475 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 to 18 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, heat 2 tbsp. EVOO over medium-high. Add the sliced garlic and grated onion, season and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the tomato paste; stir 1 minute more. Add the wine; simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and passata, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the meatballs; simmer, gently turning the meatballs, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve with sauce, cheese and bread for mopping.