POLPETTINI: LITTLE MEATBALLS WITH MELTED FONTINA CENTERS

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground veal
• 3 ounces prosciutto, minced
• 1 tablespoon diamond brand kosher salt
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated, plus more for garnish
• 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup fresh ricotta
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs, mixed with a fork
• 4 ounces Fontina cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

Tomato, Garlic, Wine Braise

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, minced
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 4 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup basil, coarsley chopped plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 loaf crusty bread
• toothpicks

1. Form Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine pork, veal, prosciutto, salt, garlic, pepper flakes, fennel seeds, oregano and thyme. Add the onion, parsley and Parmigiano-Reggiano and mix by hand. Add the breadcrumbs, ricotta and milk. Mix by hand. Add the eggs and stir until just barely incorporated (don’t overmix). Form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Poke a hole in the center of each ball and fit a piece of Fontina in the hole. Cover with meat and place on two well-oiled sheet pans. Bake until browned, about 12 minutes. (Rotate pan halfway through).
2. Prepare Tomato-Wine Braise: In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and carrot and cook until the carrot is softened and the onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, then deglaze with the white wine and cook for 1 minute to evaporate wine. Then add the crushed tomatoes, stock, basil, oregano and salt. Increase heat to high and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Finish Meatballs: Drain the fat off the meatballs. Transfer meatballs into a presentable ovenproof baking dish. Pour the braising liquid over them (it should barely cover the meatballs). Return to the oven and braise for 5-10 minutes until cooked through.
4. Serve: Garnished with Parmigiano-Reggiano and basil. Put crusty bread around the edge of the serving dish to sop up all the liquid. Put out toothpicks for serving. Recipe created by Parties That Cook® www.PartiesThatCook.com