Pork Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Method

1. 1

   In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs soften.

   5:00 · Soak breadcrumbs
2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, fennel seed, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.

3. 3

   Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each, rolling them lightly between your palms.

4. 4

   Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if needed, and brown on all sides, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes total.

   6:00 · Brown meatballs
5. 5

   Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and register 160°F internally, about 20 minutes.

   20:00 · Simmer meatballs
6. 6

   Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra sauce spooned over the top.

   5:00 · Rest before serving