Friday, May 20, 2011

Deep-Fried Spaghetti and Meatballs


Ingredients:

1/2 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons minced yellow onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 egg white
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
Salt and pepper, to taste
5 cups plus 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 pound cooked spaghetti
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 Popsicle sticks
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Line a baking sheet and a shallow baking dish with parchment paper.

Make the Meatballs: Place all meatball ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Warm 3 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning to brown all sides, until just cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool.

Gently toss meatballs, spaghetti, marinara sauce, and Parmesan in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Place mixture in the prepared baking dish, cover, and refrigerate at least 12 hours and up to overnight.

Preheat the remaining 5 cups of oil to 350F. Cut chilled pasta mixture into 8 equal squares. Remove squares from baking dish and insert a pop stick into each. Carefully place spaghetti sticks in pot, one at a time, and fry about 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.