T's Ragu (Spaghetti Sauce) with Baked Chicken Balls

 

For the gravy:

2 tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 large and 1 small onion, chopped fine

2 cloves garlic, grated

2 large cans of San Marzano tomatoes, mixed with a hand blender

1 can petite diced tomatoes, mixed with a hand blender

1 small can of tomato paste

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2  tablespoons dried oregano or to taste

1 tablespoon dried basil or to taste

pinch red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

1/2 teaspoon Penzey Lemon Pepper

¼ cup fresh basil

2 pieces of Parmesan Cheese rinds, optional

Put the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot and sauté onion until very tender. Add garlic and cook for just a minute.  You do not want to brown the garlic it will become bitter. Now stir in all the canned tomato products, brown sugar, spices, and fresh basil. After the gravy starts boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer and cover the pan.  You can adjust herbs to your desired amounts! Add in your cooked Chicken Meat Balls recipe below, and simmer sauce for 8 hours. Be careful to check often; this must be on a LOW simmer or the gravy will burn. 

Baked Chicken Balls

1-pound ground chicken or turkey

1 egg

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

black pepper to taste

additional seasonings are optional!

 

Directions:

Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and a little cooking spray. Mix: Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Roll: Roll the mixture into about 30 small balls. Place on the baking sheet.  Bake 25 - 30 minutes.