ITALIAN MEATBALLS (POLPETTE)

These meatballs are flatter and smaller than the Italian-American versions. In Italy, these would be served as a second course without pasta.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Partanna extra virgin olive oil [2]
• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• 1/2 cup Pine Nuts [3]
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped fine
• 1 cup Italian flat parsley, minced
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 3/4 cup ricotta
• 1/2 cup aged Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP [4], grated
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 egg, beaten lightly
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• Salt and pepper to taste

1 Recipe Quick Tomato Sauce

or Alce Nero Tomato Sauce with Basil [5]

In a deep skillet, heat half the olive oil, then saute onion and pine nuts until golden, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and saute 2 minutes more; cool the onions and garlic to room temperature. In a large bowl, place all the remaining ingredients, add the onions, pine nuts, and garlic. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine. Season with salt and pepper and stir again.  

Form polpetti by rolling the mixture into walnut-sized shapes and then flatten slightly (this will make them easier to cook.) Wipe out skillet and heat remaining olive oil. Saute the polpetti on both sides until browned, about 3-5 minutes a side. Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon and place on a plate or platter. If necessary, pour oil out of skillet and wipe clean.

Heat tomato sauce in skillet and then carefully add the polpetti.  Cook at a simmer for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through (test by cutting one in half).