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Italian Meatballs from 'The Sopranos'

The smash-hit TV show, 'The Sopranos' is not only considered to be the best series of all time, but is also a huge celebration of homemade food.

In it, we follow Italian-American mobster, Tony Soprano, and his family. They often come together over an array of traditional Sicilian dishes at the dinner table, where they chat, argue, and celebrate. 

One of Tony's fave dishes is authentic Italian meatballs, and this recipe would for sure be Soprano-family approved due to the breadcrumbs, the marinara, and layers of delicious mozarella. Mamma mia!

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients (for 6 people):

For the meatballs:

• 1 lbs. ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp fresh basil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 egg (beaten)

For the marinara sauce:

• 1 can tomatoes (diced)
• 1 can tomato sauce 
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• Pinch of dried sage

Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium-sized skillet, mix all or the ingredients needed to make the sauce over medium-high heat. Stir until well combined. Decrease heat to a simmer and cook for 7 mins. then turn off heat. However, keep a lid on the skillet so that the heat does not escape.
3. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients needed to make the meatballs. With clean hands, gently mix everything until well-combined. 
4. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to another skillet, and heat over medium heat. Using a tbsp, portion out a meatball one at a time and roll into a ball. Place the rolled balls of meat into the skillet. While they are in the skillet, roll the meatballs around so that they're evenly cooked. 
5. Once the meatballs are golden brown, flip them over. Once all the meatballs have been turnd at least once, remove from heat. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
6. Place the skillet with the meatballs in sauce in the oven for 15 mins. 
7. Once ready, sprinkle the meatballs with shredded mozarella and Parmesan cheese. Place in the oven for an extra 1 min. so that the cheese melts, before sprinkling over the basil and parlsey.
8. Enjoy!