As the world of science continues to pursue a unifying theory to explain physics, known as String Theory, the culinary world solved the one-bowl meal conundrum centuries ago. In 2005, a team of archaeologists reported finding an earthenware bowl that contained 4000-year-old noodles at the Lajia archaeological site in China. So from Asian noodles to Italian spaghetti (there’s a Marco Polo relativity joke somewhere here), these unleavened dough strings have been the cookery connectors in serving up endless deliciousness in single-bowl servings.
Our good friend Chef Robert Bleifer, former Executive Chef at Food Network and father, knows the advantages of serving up healthy, one-bowl meals to the family. Here, he shares his Spaghetti & Turkey Meatballs recipe. But, of course, he’s ‘adulted’ the meal by pairing our Lloyd Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir with this tasty and easy recipe. Dish up this combo to friends and family and let your minds wander off to places yet unexplored!
Make sure to follow Chef Bleifer’s culinary adventures on Instagram: @chef_robear
Shop >>> Lloyd Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
Chef Bleifer Spaghetti & Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey not lean!
- 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs place 1 large slice of bread in a spice grinder or mini-chopper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmeggiano
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Fresh grated parm and basil for serving optional
Instructions
- In a medium-large bowl, mix together: turkey, breadcrumbs, parm, herbs, garlic, egg yolk, and salt. Mix thoroughly and form into balls slightly smaller than ping-pong balls. You should have close to 20.
- Place a large saute pan medium-high heat, add the oil, and brown the meatball on all sides (adjusting the heat as necessary to keep from burning.)
- When fully browned, deglaze with red wine, scrape up any stuck browned bits and let reduce until just a tablespoon remains. Transfer to a medium saucepan with the stock and marinara. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook covered for 45 minutes. If the sauce has gotten too thick, add water to bring back to the consistency of the jarred sauce.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and add 3 tablespoons of kosher salt. Add pasta and cook al dente, according to packaged directions.
- Drain pasta, immediately toss with sauce and serve immediately.
- Serve with extra grated parm and fresh basil if desired.
