Spaghetti with meatballs is a classic comfort food. In my recipe I prepare the gravy with tomato sauce and add cashew powder and basil. These ingredients provide a rich texture, aroma, and flavor – making a great dish to savor with friends and family. With these positive thoughts, I’m sharing my favorite meatball recipe this weekend. Hope you enjoy it.
Ingredients:
- 1-pound cooked spaghetti
For Meatballs:
- 1-pound ground chicken (or beef)
- 1 red onion, small size, roast onion on low flame until it gets brown
- 1 red bell pepper, small size, roast bell pepper on low flame until it gets brown
- 1 teaspoon garlic & ginger paste
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnishing
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin, crushed
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, crushed
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt as needed
- For gravy:
- 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce
- 1 red onion, medium size, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic & ginger paste
- ½ cup unsalted roasted cashews, grind to form powder
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishing
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, crushed
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt as needed
- For garnishing:
- Parmesan cheese
Method:
Preparing meatballs:
Blend garlic & ginger paste, parsley, roasted onion, roasted bell pepper, red chili powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt, and make a smooth paste. Combine the paste with chicken along with bread crumbs and egg. Using a wooden spoon, mix well until it all comes together. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes to marinate.
Rub a little oil on your hands. Take a tablespoon of marinated meat and shape it into a small ball. Repeat the same steps for the remaining meat.
Preparing gravy:
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to fry until it gets softened. Then add garlic & ginger paste, and sauté for a few minutes until it gets fragrant. Add chili flakes, tomato sauce, and salt. Stir rapidly and cook for 2 minutes. Then add cashew powder and basil leaves. Reduce to low-medium heat, then cook for another 2 minutes until all the flavors are infused. Add heavy cream, stir rapidly, and cook for 1 minute until the gravy has a rich thick consistency. Slowly add the prepared meatballs into the gravy and cook for another 15 minutes until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked. Stir gently, adjust the salt, and season with black pepper.
Serve cooked spaghetti with meatballs and gravy on top. Garnish with parsley and parmesan cheese.