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.