This Was One of Frank Sinatra’s Favorite Meals

Ever wondered what the legendary crooner Frank Sinatra loved to eat? Well, prepare to be serenaded by gastronomic delights as we delve into the heartwarming world of one of Sinatra’s favorite dishes: Spaghetti and Meatballs. This comfort food classic was a staple in the Sinatra household, and today, we’re going to share a delicious recipe so you can dine like ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ himself.

The Sinatra Spaghetti and Meatballs Story

Sinatra grew up in an Italian-American neighborhood where food played a significant role in family life. His mother, Dolly, was known for her outstanding cooking skills and her Spaghetti and Meatballs was one of Frank’s favorites. He loved this dish so much that he would often request it when he was home from touring.

The secret to Sinatra’s favorite meal lies in the ingredients and the way it is prepared. It’s a dish that requires time, love, and patience, much like the way Sinatra approached his music. The rich, hearty sauce and succulent meatballs are the stars of this show, making every bite a symphony of flavors.

Tip: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. You can find a great selection of Italian ingredients here.

Preparing Sinatra’s Favored Dish

Preparing Sinatra’s favorite meal is like conducting a beautiful orchestra. It begins with the sauce, a rich and hearty blend of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. This forms the base of the dish and should be simmered for hours to achieve a deep, robust flavor.

Next, the meatballs. Made from a mix of beef and pork, Sinatra’s meatballs are a tantalizing treat. They are lightly fried to create a crispy outer layer, then simmered in the sauce for hours until they become tender and flavorful.

Tip: For an authentic touch, try using a meatball tong to shape your meatballs. It’s a tool Sinatra’s mother would have used.

Assembling the Masterpiece

Once the sauce and meatballs are ready, it’s time to assemble the masterpiece. Sinatra preferred his spaghetti al dente, giving the pasta a firm but not hard texture. This is achieved by boiling the pasta for the right amount of time and then immediately rinsing it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Finally, the pasta is ladled with the rich sauce and topped with a generous helping of meatballs. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese completes this dish, ready to be served and savored.

Tip: Use a pasta pot for perfect al dente spaghetti. It’s a must-have for any serious pasta lover.

In conclusion, Sinatra’s favorite dish, Spaghetti and Meatballs, is a classic Italian-American dish that’s rich in history and flavor. By using fresh ingredients and following traditional cooking methods, you can enjoy this delicious meal just as Sinatra did. So, why not pay a culinary tribute to ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ and whip up this comforting dish for your next dinner?

Sinatra’s Spaghetti and Meatballs

Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

3

minutes

Calories

650

kcal

A classic Italian-American dish loved by Frank Sinatra.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 lb ground pork

• 2 cans crushed tomatoes

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 1 lb spaghetti

• Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• In a large saucepan, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
• In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
• Fry meatballs in a pan until browned on all sides. Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional hour.
• Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Serve spaghetti with sauce and meatballs. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• For the best flavor, let the sauce simmer for a few hours.
• You can freeze leftover meatballs and sauce for later use.
• Pair this dish with a glass of your favorite red wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use only beef for the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can. However, the combination of beef and pork gives the meatballs a richer flavor.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

Q: Can I make the sauce and meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meatballs a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.

Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A: A robust red wine like a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with this hearty dish.