PORK MEATBALLS WITH ROSEMARY

Pork Meatballs With Rosemary image

Volumes have been written about ''new'' combinations of sauces and flavors for the delight of those who dine on pasta. We find this laudatory and have ourselves introduced ''new'' flavors for pasta. There are times, however, when we still have a slight craving for one or another of the basics, such as spaghetti with meatballs. These meatballs are easy to prepare and go well with the tomato sauce, the preparation of which we have also detailed. A bit of gustatory nostalgia never hurt anyone at the table.

Provided by Craig Claiborne And Pierre Franey

Categories dinner, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

3/4 pound ground lean pork
4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1/4 pound mushrooms, finely chopped, about one cup
1 teaspoon finely chopped dried rosemary
Salt to taste, if desired
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon dried, hot red-pepper flakes
1/2 cup flour
5 cups tomato sauce, approximately (see recipe)
1 pound spaghetti, cooked to the desired degree of doneness

Steps:

Put the pork in a mixing bowl.
Heat two tablespoons of the oil in a saucepan, and add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until onion is wilted. Add the mushrooms and cook until they give up their liquid. Continue cooking until liquid evaporates.
Add the mushroom mixture to the meat. Add the rosemary, salt and pepper to taste, bread crumbs, egg and pepper flakes. Blend well with the hands.
Shape the mixture into 18 balls. Dredge the balls in flour and shake off excess.
Heat enough of the remaining oil in a skillet to reach a depth of about one-eighth inch. Add the balls and cook, turning as they brown, until browned all over. Add the balls to the tomato sauce and cook about 30 minutes.
Serve with cooked spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 648, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 92 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 30 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1147 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams