- 20
Ingredients
- 20 PIECES
- FOR TOMATO SAUCE
- 2 (28-oz) cans whole tomatoes in juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
- FOR MEATBALLS
- 3 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (6 slices firm white sandwich bread)
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 lb ground beef chuck (not lean)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups grated Pecorino Romano (1/4 lb)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- FOR ASSEMBLING SLIDERS
- 20 small (2-inch) soft buns or rolls, split
Preparation
Step 1
MAKE TOMATO SAUCE:
Puree tomatoes with their juice, 1 can at a time, in a blender and transfer to a bowl.
Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then saute onion until golden, about 6 minutes.
Add garlic and saute stirring, 1 minute. Add tomato puree, sugar, bay leaf, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 40 to 50 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
MAKE MEATBALLS WHILE SAUCE SIMMERS:
Stir together bread crumbs and milk in a large bowl and let stand 10 minutes.
Add meat, garlic, cheese, eggs, parsley, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and blend with your hands until just combined well (do not overmix).
Form level 1/4-cup portions into meatballs.
Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then fry meatballs, about 6 at a time, turning occasionally, until well browned and cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per batch.
Transfer to paper towels with a slotted spoon.
SIMMER MEATBALLS IN SAUCE AND ASSEMBLE SLIDERS:
Add drained meatballs to tomato sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through.
Assemble sliders with a meatball and 1 tablespoon sauce per bun, securing each with a wooden pick.
COOKS NOTE: Meatballs in sauce can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, uncovered, until cool, then covered. Reheat before serving.