Lidia Bastianich Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in many American households. There are many variations of this dish, but one recipe that stands out is Lidia Bastianich's. Lidia is a renowned chef and television personality who has inspired many with her authentic Italian cuisine. Her spaghetti and meatballs recipe is not only delicious but also easy to follow. In this article, we will be sharing Lidia Bastianich's spaghetti and meatballs recipe in detail and provide tips on how to make it perfect every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs
First, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, parsley, garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix together with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
Next, form the mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 inch in diameter. You should be able to make about 24 meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the Marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs back to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes.
4. Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce.
5. Serve
Divide the spaghetti and meatballs among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture when forming the meatballs.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs on all sides before adding them to the sauce.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Be sure to salt the pasta water before cooking the spaghetti.
- Save some of the pasta water to add to the sauce if it seems too thick.
Conclusion
Lidia Bastianich's spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and absolutely delicious. With the right ingredients and a few tips, you can recreate this dish at home and impress your family and friends. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!
