Homemade Pasta Sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 green pepper, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 jalapeno, chopped

1 banana pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, diced

4 cans diced tomatoes

1 can tomato sauce

3 springs fresh thyme

1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan (I use my dutch oven for this) over medium heat. Saute the onion and garlic until they lighly brown.

Add green/red pepper, jalapeno and banana pepper to pan and cook for 5 minutes.

Add basil.

Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Stir well. Add herb springs (which I tie together using kitchen string) and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 2 hours. Time to make the meatballs.

Meatballs

3 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs

1 pound ground pork

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup shredded parmesan

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, pork, beef, parmesan, parsley, salt, onion, garlic, and egg.

Time to get your hands dirty. Mix until everything is combined and season with black pepper.

Using your hands, gently form the meat mixture into slightly larger than golf ball-sized balls. DO NOT PACK THE MEAT MIXTURE TOO TIGHTLY OR YOUR MEATBALLS WILL BE TOUGH!

Refrigerate for an hour (check your sauce).

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add half of the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally until well browned on all sides.

Transfer the meatballs to a plate with a paper towel on the bottom to drain the oil.

Repeat with the remaining meatballs.

Transfer the meatballs to a cookie sheet that has been covered with foil and lightly coated with olive oil. Place in oven and let bake for 15 – 20 minutes (I cook the linguini while the meatballs are cooking).

Time to plate. Scoop pasta into a bowl and add pasta sauce. Top with meatballs, fresh grated parmesan and basil. Here is how I did it:

Here is the close-up:

So there you have it-you can now make homemade meatballs and sauce!

This next week Jen will be out of town on business so I am going to have a party. Just kidding, I am going to feature cooking for one which will start on Monday. Be sure to come back and check it out!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Cooking!