Rigatoni & Meatballs recipe...

I mentioned one of my favourite comfort foods last week, Rigatoni & Meatballs.

There is just something about Italian food that feeds the soul and makes your belly feel content.

We needed that last week.  Sitting around the table, enjoying good food, sharing, talking....healing.

We love this table and all the wonderful meals we share here.

The Recipe:  I am not a measure it out kinda gal when it comes to cooking.  I eye ball most of my ingredients, just like my Grandmother , Violet, used to do.

This was made using bow-tie pasta, but the rigatoni is my fav ;)

Meatballs...

1# ground beef
1# sweet or spicy Italian sausage
Parsley
Bread Crumbs
Parmesan cheese (grated & fresh)
1 egg


To make:  Mix all ingredients by hand, then form into small-ish to medium-ish sized meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs- about 8 per batch (don't worry about cooking through, that will come later)  Remove to plate.

Marinara Sauce:

2-28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes
1 can of tomato paste
Olive oil
3-4 whole garlic cloves
chopped onion
parsley
basil
salt
pepper
sugar (this is an important ingredient!)

To make:  Heat oil in skillet on med/low heat, add garlic and onion, saute until onion is almost translucent.  Add the tomatoes and tomato paste.  Then add the basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Cook for 15-20 min.  Then add the meatballs and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Once plated, sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese :)

Serve with rigatoni, bow tie pasta- or whatever pasta tickles your fancy- and enjoy!