sandwich shop famous meatballs

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Martha Price
San Jose, CA

I haven't tried these yet,but I'm going to post it because it has an interesting story. In the 1960's there was a well-known sandwich shop in New York. Their meatball sandwiches were legendary,however the owner retired in 1967,and the shop closed. The owner continued to make the meatballs for family until she passed away, refusing to give anyone the recipe. Years later,the hand written recipe was found hidden at the bottom of her hope chest, along with a note saying "You finally found it!". Don't know if the story is true or if the meatballs live up to their reputation - but we'll see!

(1 rating)
yield 16 meatballs; 2 qts sauce
prep time 15 Min
cook time 1 Hr
method Stove Top

Ingredients For sandwich shop famous meatballs

  • 1 and 1/2 lb
    ground beef
  • 1 c
    italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
  • 3/4 c
    freshly grated romano cheese
  • 2
    eggs
  • 4 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp
    milk
  • 1/4 plus 1 c
    chopped fresh basil
  • 2 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1 can
    (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 2 can
    (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp
    sugar

How To Make sandwich shop famous meatballs

  • 1
    Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Romano cheese, eggs, 2 of the minced garlic cloves, milk and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Shape into 16 meatballs.
  • 2
    In non-stick skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add half of meatballs; cook, turning once, until browned, about 3 minutes each side. Just brown them, they will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove from pan; repeat with remaining oil and meatballs.
  • 3
    To skillet add garlic. Saute until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste. Fill paste can halfway with water; stir into mixture.
  • 4
    In pot over medium heat combine crushed tomatoes and paste mixture. Stir in sugar and the remaining 1/3 cup of basil. Bring to a simmer; add meatballs. Partially cover; cook until meatballs are no longer pink inside, about 45 minutes. Serve with spaghetti or as a meatball sandwich on crusty bread. Hope you enjoy!
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