Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs – Comfort Food from Chef Giovanni of Bar Corallini

I want to be wrapped in a big hug. Or a big bowl of pasta. Who doesn’t? All of this non-touching reminds me of how much social interaction, shared meals, hugs and kisses are part of my life. Hey now, the details are my business not yours:) Cooking up comfort food is such a great way to give and receive love right now. I don’t know about you, but a huge bowl of spaghetti and meatballs (Chef Giovanni’s -chef at one of our partner restaurants-recipe to follow is absolutely delicious!) will do the trick. 

It’s been heartwarming to see all of the ways we are working to maintain our connectedness during this time–Zoom meetings, Facetime happy hours, WhatsApp calls. My Mom has seen more of me in the past two weeks than the past year, I think. It’s actually been such a huge reminder of how important it is to take time for the people in your life and how important my friends, family and community are to me.

All this online connection is helping. But I will be honest, I cannot WAIT to go to my favorite neighborhood bar and grab a drink with friends, spend the night dancing and stop at a late night spot for a quick bite before bed. Who’s with me? (I just felt it–a virtual raising of thousands of hands)

Meanwhile one thing I have been doing is catching up with friends, chefs, bartenders and producers on Instagram and going live. It’s been so fun and such a great way to stay connected. Yesterday Chef Giovanni from Bar Corallini joined me live and taught us how to make spaghetti and meatballs. Total comfort food and absolutely incredible flavor. Bar Corallini is one of our partner businesses and I cannot wait to go back, sit at the bar, have a drink and hug them all. Who’s in?

Family-style Spaghetti and Meatballs from Chef Giovanni , owner and Chef at Bar Corallini in Madison WI

Feeds 8 people 
Pre-heat oven to 375

MEATBALLS Polpette:
2 pound ground beef 
1 pound Italian sausage mild
2 cup whole milk 
8 Oz bread (better if is couple’s day old) you can substitute it with white bread
2 cup bread crumbs 
2 cup Parmesan grated 
1 cup Pecorino grated 
4 clove garlic, minced
1 shallot, diced
1 bunch Italian parsley, finely chopped
3 eggs 
Salt and pepper 
Red pepper flakes (optional)

METHOD:
Soak bread in milk.
Squeeze out excess moisture and place in a large bowl.
Add meat and mix by hand.
Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Salt pepper and chili flakes to taste. (about 2-3 tsp salt for this recipe? But less is better!)
Oil the cookie sheet and place oil on the palms of your hands
Make balls somewhere between golf ball and tennis ball size about 2 inches in diameter.
Place on an oiled cookie sheet and bake at 375 for about 17 minutes. Check to make sure they are done.

SAUCE:
3 12 Oz cans San Marzano tomato 
3 clove garlic
1 shallot, diced
2 tbs olive oil
2 Oz fresh basil 
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes

METHOD:
Saute garlic and shallot in olive oil stirring frequently for a minute or two.
Add salt pepper and red pepper to taste (you can always add more)
Add tomatoes and simmer on low for an hour or more.
Add fresh basil.
More salt and pepper as needed
Cook 2# Spaghetti per instructions
Enjoy!!

PS due to Quarantine shopping, I only had this other kind of pasta, but it turned out amazing anyway!