Mario Batalis Big Turkey Meatballs Polpette Di Tacchino Food

MARIO BATALI'S BIG TURKEY MEATBALLS - POLPETTE DI TACCHINO

Steps:

• Soak the bread crumbs in water to cover for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water.
• In large bowl, combine turkey, prosciutto, sausage, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, 1/4 c of the pecorino, the Parmigiano, 1/2 c of the parsley, the nutmeg and 1/4 c of the olive oil. Mix very gently with your hands. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 1" balls. Place balls on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
• Put the tomato sauce in a pan and bring to a boil. Place the meatballs in the sauce and return to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a platter and serve with the remaining 1/4 cup each of pecorino and parsley sprinkled over the top.

POLPETTE ALLA NAPOLETANA (NEAPOLITAN MEATBALLS)

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, soak the bread cubes in water to cover for a minute or two.
• Drain the bread cubes and squeeze with your fingers to press out the excess moisture (make sure you do this well).
• In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, beef, eggs, garlic, pecorino, parsley, toasted pine nuts, salt and pepper, and mix with your hands to incorporate.
• With wet hands, form the mixture into 12-15 meatballs, each smaller than a tennis ball, but larer than a golf ball.
• In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until almost smoking.
• Add the meatballs and, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, cook until deep golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
• Add the tomato sauce and reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook all the meatballs for 30 minutes.
• Set aside and allow to cool; save the sauce for another use.