Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti served with Nonna's meatballs and tomato sauce.
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
Spaghetti and Meatballs, while often associated with Italian cuisine, is actually an Italian-American creation. Large meatballs served with spaghetti and tomato sauce are not a traditional dish found in Italy. Italian immigrants, particularly in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, combined their pasta-making traditions with the availability of affordable meat to create this iconic dish.
Spaghetti and Meatballs is a symbol of Italian-American cuisine and is deeply ingrained in American popular culture, often depicted in movies, TV shows, and family gatherings.
Family Meal
It's often considered a family-friendly meal, commonly served during family dinners and celebrations. The communal nature of sharing a large bowl of spaghetti and meatballs fosters a sense of togetherness.
Pop Culture Icon
The dish has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, solidifying its place in American pop culture. Think of the iconic scene from 'Lady and the Tramp.'
Italian-American Identity
For many Italian-Americans, Spaghetti and Meatballs represents a connection to their heritage while embracing a new culinary identity within American culture.
Spaghetti and Meatballs boasts a savory, rich flavor profile highlighted by the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce, the umami-richness of the meatballs, and the subtle herbaceous notes.
The primary flavors come from the marinara sauce, typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs like basil and oregano, and olive oil. The meatballs are a blend of ground meat (often beef, pork, and/or veal), breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese (such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano), garlic, and seasonings. The spaghetti provides a neutral base that absorbs the sauce and complements the meat.
Sauce Simmering
Simmer the marinara sauce for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. A longer simmer results in a richer, more complex sauce.
Meatball Binding
Soak the breadcrumbs in milk or broth before adding them to the meat mixture. This creates a more tender and moist meatball.
Meatball Texture
Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
Meatball Cooking
Brown the meatballs on all sides before simmering them in the sauce. This adds depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape.
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