Italian meatballs

1 . Stage

Let's start by preparing the sauce... Put finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil (2-3 tbsp) in a wide saucepan with a thick bottom. Once the onions have lightened, pour in the tomato sauce (passata di pomodoro).

2 . Stage

Then fill the same bottle that held the tomato sauce with water. And pour it into the pot. Add all the other ingredients for the sauce: bay leaf, sugar, salt, basil (if desired).

3 . Stage

Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and proceed to cook the meatballs.

4 . Stage

First, shred the mortadella in a blender. Four thinly sliced slices are required.

5 . Stage

In a deep bowl mix minced meat, shredded sausage, finely grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

6 . Stage

Add the eggs, chopped parsley greens, salt and pepper to taste.

7 . Stage

Stir the minced meat properly until homogeneous.

8 . Stage

Form many small meatballs, no bigger than a walnut. You can also involve the children in the process of preparing the meatballs...

9 . Stage

Carefully place the ready meatballs, one at a time, in the boiling sauce. Stir gently with a spoon, letting them all fit in the pan. Cover with the lid.

10 . Stage

Braise on low heat for 1 hour.