The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 lb hot Italian sausage
• 4 oz proscuitto or pancetta, finely chopped
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 3-4 slices hearty white sandwich bread, torn into pieces (see note below)
• 3/4 to 1 cup buttermilk (see note below)
• 3 tbsp flat-leaf Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, finely grated, plus more for garnish
• 1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin, dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (or 1/2 tbsp table salt)
• 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 vidalia onions, grated or finely minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 28oz. cans crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups tomato juice
• 1/2 cup dry white
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp herbes de provence (optional)
• 1/2 tbsp dried basil
• Salt, pepper, and (pinch) sugar to taste/adjust
• Fresh chopped basil for garnish (optional)
• 1 1/2 lbs dried spaghetti, plus 2 tbsp kosher salt for the pasta water to taste (or 1 tbsp table salt)