Sunday, August 24, 2014

spicy meatball sandwich with pesto


One of our favorite meals from our vacation this summer was at Meat and Bread in Vancouver. We split their signature porchetta and meatball sandwiches, both of which were ridiculously delicious! I'm planning on attempting a recreation of that porchetta sometime in the future, but since Miles hasn't stopped talking about the meatball sandwich for the past month, I decided to start there first.

I made a few changes -- basil pesto rather than gremolata, a simply spicy tomato sauce rather than sambal -- but I have to say, this tasted pretty close to the original! Needless to say, this is definitely going in our regular dinner rotation.

Spicy Meatball Sandwich with Pesto
makes 4 sandwiches

you'll need:
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 egg
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup red wine
2 1/2 cups tomato puree (like Pomi)
for serving: ciabatta bread, shaved grana padano (or parmesan), basil pesto

Mix beef, breadcrumbs, basil, egg, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl with a fork or your hands. Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs (you should end up with about 12).

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Wipe out the pot, then add a bit more olive oil. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant and beginning to brown. Stir in the wine and tomatoes.

Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes over low heat, until the sauce is thick and the meatballs are cooked through.

Serve the meatballs on sliced ciabatta bread with a spread of basil pesto and shaved grana padano or parmesan on top. Enjoy!

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8 comments:

  1. Trust you to bring us delicious, hearty, do-able recipes like this one. My mouth is watering! And I can't wait to see the porchetta sandwich. We had one at the Ferry Bldg in SF last summer and I still crave it. : )

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  2. This is like the most delicious salute to the colors of the Italian flag! LOVING it!

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  3. Oh my wow that looks good! Definitely right up my alley!

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  4. This looks lush! I've got to add this to our dinner rotation, my guys have been clamoring for something just like this!

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  5. Love the basil pesto addition! Looks great and I see why this will be a repeat meal :)

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  6. My family ADORE meatballs, so we totally get Miles. This looks edible, incredible. Can't wait for the porchetta version.

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  7. I've been meaning to come back and comment on this post because...YUM! Have some freezer meatballs I need to turn into these sandwiches!

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