Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. This comforting dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with tender, flavourful meatballs, all smothered in a rich and savoury tomato sauce. 

Ingredients: 

For the meatballs: 

- 1kg beef mince meat (preferably a mix of lean and fatty)

- ½ cup breadcrumbs 

- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

- ¼ cup milk

- 1 egg, lighlty beaten

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon Marina Braai Salt with Spices 

- 1 teaspoon Marina Lighthouse Salt 

- ½ teaspoon Marina Black Pepper

For the tomato sauce: 

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can crushed tomatoes 

- 1 can diced tomatoes

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon Marina Braai Salt with Spices

- ½ teaspoon sugar 

- Marina Lighthouse Salt and Pepper to taste

For the spaghetti: 

- 500g spaghetti pasta

- Marina Lighthouse Salt for boiling water 

Instructions: 

1. In a large bowl, combine the mince meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, crushed garlic, Marina Braai Salt with Spices, Marina Lighthouse Salt and Pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough. 

2. With wet hands, shape the emat mixture into golft ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate and set aside. 

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sautè until they turn translucent and fragrant. 

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, dice tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, Marina Braai Salt with Peri-peri, Marina Braai Salt with Spices, sugar, Marina Lighthouse Salt and Pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. 

5. Bring the tomato sauce to a gentle simmer and carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. 

6. While the meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cok according to the package instructions. 

7. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well and return itto the pot. Drizzle a bit of oilive oil over the cooked pasta and toss gently to prevent sticking. 

Serve the spaghetti on individual plates or a large serving platter, topped with a generous amount of tomato sauce and meatballs. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. The tender meatballs, delicious tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together to create a meal that's both comforting and flavourful!