Spaghetti and Lamb Meatballs Recipe

Spaghetti and Lamb Meatballs

• Level: Intermediate
• Yield: Serves 4 to 6
• Nutritional Information per Serving (1 of 6): Calories 919, Total Fat 49 g, Saturated Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 71 g, Dietary Fiber 7 g, Sugar 7 g, Protein 48 g, Cholesterol 157 mg, Sodium 1011 mg
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Active Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce:

• Olive oil, to coat the pan
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• One 28-ounce can pureed tomatoes
• 3 sprigs fresh oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
2. For the meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine ground lamb, ground pork, Parmesan, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Mix without overworking, then shape into 24 golf ballsized meatballs. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes to firm up.
3. For the sauce: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat and drizzle in enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Add the chilled meatballs and brown on all sides, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped garlic and onion and saut until the garlic is slightly browned around the edges. Pour in the pureed tomatoes, add the oregano sprigs, and season with salt and pepper. Return the meatballs to the pot, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered until the meatballs are cooked through, about 30 minutes.
5. While the meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti in the boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander.
6. Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce with the meatballs and toss to coat the noodles thoroughly.
7. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.