Lidia's Italy Spaghetti And Meatballs
If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, then you must have heard of the famous Italian-American chef, Lidia Bastianich. Lidia is known for her simple but delicious recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. One of her most famous recipes is spaghetti and meatballs, which is loved by people all over the world. In this article, we are going to share Lidia's Italy spaghetti and meatballs recipe with you, along with some tips and tricks to make it even better.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- Salt for the pasta water
Instructions
1. To make the meatballs, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well with your hands. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Add the basil, salt, and pepper, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti with the sauce.
5. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
Tips and Tricks
If you want to make Lidia's Italy spaghetti and meatballs even better, here are some tips and tricks:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially the herbs and the tomatoes.
- Make sure to brown the meatballs well on all sides to give them a nice crust and a rich flavor.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti. It should be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe. You can add other ingredients to the meatball mixture, such as grated carrots or chopped onions, or you can use different types of meat, such as pork or veal.
Conclusion
Lidia's Italy spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a classic Italian dish that everyone will love. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. By following our tips and tricks, you can make this dish even better and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. So why not give it a try?
