4.14.2013

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!

7 comments:

  1. it looks wonderful! YUM! I never measure anything either, unless it's a cake I'm trying, but I can still eyeball out the vanilla. I love your table gathering place. And those chairs are awesome ♥

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    1. Thank you, Sandy :) I marvel at those chefs on cooking shows who can pour a teaspoon or tablespoon of something without measuring!

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  2. You don't have to tell this boy about the comfort of Italian food! Although my favorite Italian comfort food is lasagne. I love doing all the work, putting it together, and having all of that cheesy, gooey Italian goodness come out of the oven!

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  3. Wow - crafts, house improvement and recipes - I am impressed!

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    1. Yep, I'm Martha-flippen-Stewart over here, lol!

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  4. That looks delish! I'm going to try that one this weekend!!! :-)

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Thanks so much for popping in. I appreciate all of your lovely comments...Tricia