Spaghetti and Meatballs

I suppose a great many people when they think of Pasta and Italy one of the main dishes that comes to mind is Spaghetti and meatballs in a thick rich tomato sauce. This recipe with it's luscious sauce will only serve to strengthen that habit.

INGREDIENTS for the rich tomato sauce

1 large onion – finely chopped
olive oil
2 x 400g (14oz) cans crushed tomatoes
300g (10½oz) concentrated tomato paste
1½ cups water
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon died oregano leaves
1 teaspoon beef stock powder (1 cube)
1 tablespoon sugar

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INGREDIENTS for the meatballs

500g (1lb) minced beef
125g (4oz) minced pork
¾ cup dry breadcrumbs
4 eggs – beaten
2 cloves garlic – minced
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

You will also obviously need spaghetti so cook 500g or 1lb of spaghetti in the normal way (cook the spaghetti after making the sauce and meatballs)

METHOD to make the sauce

In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add tomato purée, tomato paste, water, parmesan cheese, oregano, stock powder and sugar.
Simmer, uncovered, for 1-1½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.