Meatballs have made countless memorable appearances in movies, surpassing many other dishes. They've left their mark on the big screen from their iconic presence in the enchanting 'restaurant' scene of Lady and The Tramp to Clemenza's demonstration on how to prepare them in The Godfather. Even earning top billing in Cloudy With A Chance Of…, meatballs have proven to be irresistibly delightful, captivating Hollywood itself. This recipe masterfully achieves the perfect balance of authenticity, accessibility, and a gratifying treat to savor at home.
One essential step in this recipe involves the preparation of a classic 'sofrito'—a flavorful base crafted by frying onions, carrots, and celery. This aromatic blend forms the foundation for the rich and delectable sauce that complements the meatballs. To enhance the flavor profile, it is crucial to cook the sofrito down in the same oil used to brown the meatballs. So, resist the temptation to wipe out the pan, as this method elevates the dish's taste to new heights.
Slow Cooker Meatballs & Pasta
Ingredients: 300 grams of ground pork
300 grams of ground beef
1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup of bread crumbs
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
40 grams of tomato paste
350 grams of uncooked pasta
Parmesan cheese and parsley (grated) for serving
Instructions:1. Combine ground meats, cheese, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Thoroughly mix the ingredients by hand until you achieve walnut-sized meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan and sear the meatballs over medium heat. Ensure they are evenly colored but not fully cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the pan, leaving the cooking oil.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery for approximately 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and about one cup of water. Stir gently before transferring the mixture to a slow cooker.
4. Place the meatballs into the slow cooker with the tomato paste mixture. Cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 5 hours. Add the pasta after 3 1/2 hours of cooking time and continue cooking.
5. To serve, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in this dish if you want to ring the changes. Pappardelle and bucatini are a good match for meatballs, but frankly, any pasta shape will taste good.
Your kitchen will smell like the set of the Godfather, in a good way, and when it comes to inviting guests round to share this show-stopping dish, you're gonna make them an offer they can't refuse...
