Mini Meatballs and Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce

August 9, 2016 | Savor the Season

Ingredients:
Tomato Basil Sauce
4 strips bacon, cooked until crispy, drained, drippings reserved
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups diced tomatoes (or substitute 28 oz. can diced tomatoes)
1/3 cup minced fresh Italian parsley
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
½-1 tsp. red pepper flakes
¼ cup fresh basil, chiffonade
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
In a sauté pan or skillet, cook onion in bacon drippings over medium heat until translucent, approx. 6-8 minutes. Stir in garlic and continue to cook another 30 seconds, or just until garlic is fragrant. Add tomatoes, parsley, sugar, and pepper flakes; simmer 15-20 minutes; stir in basil, then season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (For a less chunky sauce, tomatoes may be pureed until smooth in a food processor.)

Meatballs
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 egg
1 tsp. dried parsley
¾ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp. fennel seeds
1 slice white bread, torn into small pieces
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
shredded Parmesan, for garnish

 

 

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