Italian Meatballs

Let's start by saying Italian Meatballs in Italy NEVER touch pasta. They are a separate course from the main course. Traditionally a larger size, these classic Italian-American style meatballs are huge and pillowy soft. Served with a traditional tomato sauce, topped with cheese, and packed with herbs, this baseball-sized meatball is sure to put a smile on everyone's face around the dinner table. Ok, ok, you don't need to make them baseball-sized; the most important thing to remember is not to rush the process. Oh, and only use egg yolks, not whole eggs. Trust me on this one. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground beef - the more fat content the better, we used an 80/20 blend
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/4 cup milk 
• 3 slices white bread with crust removed
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese 
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated 
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped 
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped 
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2½ Cups of your favorite tomato sauce 

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the milk in a small Swiss Diamond saucepan until it just starts to steam. Do not bring to a boil.
2. Tear the bread into small pieces and soak it in the milk until it partially dissolves. Then mash until you get something that resembles a paste. Turn it onto a plate to let cool. Set aside.
3. In a separate and larger bowl, combine the beef, pork, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, parsley, oregano, black pepper, garlic, and the soaked bread mixture. Mix well with your hands until it barely combines. Don't overmix as you'll make the meatballs too dense. 
4. With wet hands, form the meatballs. The traditional size for this sort of meatball is 2"- 3" in diameter, but you can make them any size you like. 
5. When all the meatballs are formed, heat olive oil in a large Swiss Diamond skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on at least two sides. Don't worry about the center getting cooked through as you will finish these in the sauce.
6. Once all the meatballs are browned, pour in your tomato sauce. Turn the meatballs to ensure they are covered in sauce. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 15 - 20 minutes.
7. Serve with the sauce and crusty bread; NOT OVER PASTA. Sprinkle with a little chopped parsley for garnish if you like.