Nonna's Meatballs
House-made meatballs in a tomato sauce, often mentioned positively in reviews.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Oakville
Meatballs, in various forms, have been enjoyed across cultures for centuries. In Italy, they evolved from frugal peasant cooking, utilizing leftover meats and bread to create a satisfying and flavorful dish. They gained further popularity with Italian immigrants in America, where they often featured prominently alongside pasta.
Nonna's Meatballs represent more than just a meal; they embody family, tradition, and the comfort of home-cooked food. They are often associated with large gatherings and celebrations, symbolizing generosity and hospitality.
Family Tradition
Passed down through generations, the recipe for Nonna's Meatballs is a cherished family secret, often with slight variations that reflect individual preferences and regional influences.
Sunday Supper
Meatballs are a staple of the traditional Italian-American Sunday supper, a time for families to come together and share a hearty meal.
Symbol of Abundance
The generous portion sizes often associated with Nonna's Meatballs reflect a desire to provide for loved ones and ensure that everyone is well-fed.
Nonna's Meatballs boast a rich, savory flavor profile, characterized by the umami depth of meat combined with the sweetness of tomato and aromatic herbs.
The primary flavor comes from the ground meat, typically a blend of beef, pork, and sometimes veal. This is enhanced by garlic, onions, parsley, and often parmesan cheese or pecorino romano. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk or water provide a tender texture and mild sweetness. The tomato sauce, simmered for hours, adds acidity, sweetness, and depth. A touch of oregano, basil, and sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes complete the flavor profile, offering warmth and complexity.
Meat Mixture Matters
Using a blend of meats creates a more complex and flavorful meatball. Aim for a mix of beef, pork, and optionally veal.
Soak the Breadcrumbs
Soaking breadcrumbs in milk or water before adding them to the meat mixture ensures a moist and tender meatball. Squeeze out the excess liquid before adding.
Don't Overmix
Overmixing the meat mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Simmer, Don't Boil
Simmering the meatballs in the tomato sauce allows them to absorb the flavors and become even more tender. Avoid boiling, which can toughen the meatballs.
Rest the Sauce
Allowing the tomato sauce to rest overnight enhances the flavors and allows them to meld together.
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