Bubbie's Spaghetti and Meatballs

I love cooking all my Bubbie’s recipes. Besides the fact that it reminds me of her and my childhood, the recipes are also sooooo easy and use simple ingredients.

This recipe was one that shocked me in terms of how simple it is and how all she did was water down some tomato paste. She always used lots of onions and garlic and paprika for flavour. Many of her dishes have a similar base and then the meat or food itself provides the authentic flavour.

This year, we lost my Bubbie. I really do miss her every day. But I am so glad I am able to recreate and pass along her recipes. It keeps her memory alive and our stomachs very happy.

Grab a 99 cent can of tomato paste next time you are at the grocery store because this recipe is worth gossiping about!

Bubbie's Spaghetti and Meatballs

Yield: 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS:
Meatballs:
1 lb ground meat (half veal, half beef is best)
1 egg
Garlic powder, to taste
2 tbsp. breadcrumbs
Salt/pepper, to taste
Sauce:
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 can tomato paste
1 tbsp. sugar
1 cup water
Salt/pepper, to taste
Pasta noodles, cooked

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, mix together meatball ingredients. Form into balls and set aside.
2. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic in a tbsp. of olive oil until soft and fragrant. Mix in tomato paste. Add in sugar, salt/pepper and water. Mix well.
3. Place meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 60-90 minutes until meatballs are very soft. Serve over cooked pasta. Enjoy!

*Note: The meatballs will be cooked through after 30 minutes but the longer they simmer, the softer they will become.