Our authentic Italian bubbly bursting with a bright blend of vibrant flavors.
13250 River RoadGuerneville, CA 95446
(707) 824-7000
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November 22, 2015
Treat the guests at your upcoming holiday potlucks to a homemade batch of ricotta meatballs. Follow these simple instructions to create this zesty dish, which, when paired with a glass of KORBEL Rouge, makes for an unforgettable holiday feast.
Ricotta Meatballs
½ lb. sliced white bread, crusts removed and bread cut into ½ -inch dice (4 cups) ¾ lb. lean ground pork ¾ lb. ground turkey 3 oz. thickly sliced pancetta, minced 3 large eggs, lightly beaten ⅔ cup ricotta ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, chopped Zest of 1 lemon Kosher salt 2 (28-oz.) cans peeled Italian tomatoes, crushed 4 cloves garlic, peeled Freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons shredded basil ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor, pulse bread to coarse crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a large bowl, and add pork, turkey, pancetta, eggs, ricotta, parsley, oregano, fennel seeds, lemon zest and 1½ teaspoons kosher salt. Mix well. Shape into 24 meatballs, using about 5 rounded tablespoons of the mixture for each. Transfer to an oiled medium roasting pan.
Roast meatballs for about 30 minutes, or until firm and just beginning to brown. Using a spatula, loosen meatballs from bottom of pan. Add crushed tomatoes and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees, and cook, uncovered, for about 2 hours, or until sauce is very thick and meatballs are very tender, turning meatballs once or twice during cooking.
Transfer meatballs and sauce to a large platter. Garnish with basil and parmesan, and serve hot.