Polpette Recipe (Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 to 5 fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 8 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• POLPETTE (MEATBALLS):
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 pound ground veal or pork
• 1/2 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup 2% milk