If you go to Tony's Deli on Northwest Highway in Chicago like I do every December 23, you buy Italian foodstuffs for Christmas Day dinner. Tony's is the real deal. They make their own noodles for their housemade lasagna for chrissake. A tiny, ancient woman named Helen mans the cash register in front of a wall of "Mob Hits" CDs. And don't you dare joke about that because she won't smile. Trust me.
Maybe this sauce might follow you home. It's not cheap but it's very excellent. If you're lazy you could buy Tony's amazing housemade meatballs. But if you're up for it, try the recipe on the back of this jar. No they're not vegan but they bake in the oven so...extremely easy.
Gia Russa Homemade Baked Meatballs
1 lb. ground beef, 80/20 (chuck)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. olive oil
salt, pepper, & crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and mix thoroughly. Do not overmix, as this will make the meatballs tough. Form into 2-oz. golf-ball-sized balls, place on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with your favorite sauce.
