Ina Garten Real Spaghetti And Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs have been a staple in American households for generations. This classic dish never gets old and always satisfies our cravings for a hearty and comforting meal. Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, has her own take on this beloved recipe that's worth trying. Her version of spaghetti and meatballs is simple, delicious, and easy to make. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make Ina Garten's real spaghetti and meatballs.
The Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let's gather all the ingredients we need. Here's a list:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup fresh white bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
The Meatballs
The first step in making Ina Garten's spaghetti and meatballs is to prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, parsley, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
Next, form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. You should have around 20 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side or until they're browned all over. You don't need to cook them through at this point. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
The Sauce
Now, let's move on to the sauce. Using the same skillet, add the red wine and cook it over medium-high heat until it's reduced by half. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce and let them cook for another 10 minutes or until they're cooked through. Add the chopped basil and stir everything together.
The Pasta
While the sauce and meatballs are cooking, let's prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions or until it's al dente.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Add some olive oil and stir to coat the pasta.
Serving
Now that everything is ready, it's time to serve Ina Garten's real spaghetti and meatballs. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl and pour the sauce and meatballs over the top. Garnish with some extra Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves.
This recipe serves around 6 to 8 people. It's perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect spaghetti and meatballs:
- Make sure to use fresh bread crumbs instead of dry ones. Dry bread crumbs can make the meatballs too dense.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you want a lighter version of this recipe.
- Don't overcook the meatballs. They will continue to cook in the sauce, so you want them to be slightly undercooked when you brown them in the skillet.
- San Marzano tomatoes are the best option for the sauce because they're sweeter and less acidic than other canned tomatoes.
- Don't forget to salt the pasta water. This will add flavor to the pasta.
With these tips and tricks, you can make Ina Garten's real spaghetti and meatballs like a pro.
Conclusion
Ina Garten's real spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that's easy to make and always satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and some helpful tips, you can create a delicious meal that your family and friends will love. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it's a favorite among many households. Enjoy!
