As you may know, I have a love-hate relationship with Giada de Laurentiis. I use and like many of her recipes, as evidenced by this blog (I'm sure a search of The Hungry Dog would result in at least 15 of her recipes, maybe more). However, I dislike her for being so much better than me in every single way. This is a good example of my immaturity.
Usually, though, she makes stuff I want to eat. Hunger trumps pettiness in this house. So when I saw her make a fancy version of bucatini alla amatriciana during an episode she filmed with her Aunt Rafi (who, incidentally, I'd like to be related to), I knew it was going on my to-try list.
Giada took a basic recipe amatriciana recipe (a staple in our house, though I use a Marcella Hazan recipe, tweaked) and as my little niece Scrappy would say, "kicked it up a nacho." She put together some delicious and simple meatballs, stuffed them with mozzarella, and served them alongside the pasta amatriciana.
This is a very good idea. While I did make some minor adjustments--I swapped pork for the veal; doubled the amount of crushed tomatoes; and used plain mozzarella instead of smoked--the overall concept is spectacular. And although it's a little more work than just making amatriciana, it's a whole lot more exciting.
The only other adjustment I'll make next time is to use spaghetti--or rigatoni maybe-- instead of bucatini. Although it's traditional with this sauce, I've always found bucatini hard to eat. The husband agreed, although he seemed happily distracted by the savory little meatballs oozing mozzarella into the spicy tomato-and-bacon sauce.
Clearly, this is not a sauce for the vegetarian. Or even for those who don't eat pork. While I think the meatballs would be delicious with ground chicken or turkey, I can't imagine a good amatriciana without pancetta or bacon. I mean, that's just tomato sauce.
It'd be hard to not to love a big bowl of this pasta, especially if you're enjoying it on a windy friday night with your sweetie and a good bottle of Chianti. In fact, I'm certain nothing trumps that.
You are most certainly a dog after my heart! Pork? check Double the tomatoes? check Ditch the smoke in the mozzarella? check What a lovely way to honor this lovely dish.
ReplyDeleteMozzarella stuffed meatballs! Why haven't I had this before?? Sounds so logical!
ReplyDeleteI watched her make those meatballs and thought they looked marvelous. Glad you agreed after making them. I like Giada but must confess sometimes her combinations put me off a bit. I recently made a savory tart of hers and still can't decide if I will post it as I really didn't like it very much. However, I WILL be making these meatballs!
ReplyDeleteOooh, fabulous steam shot in the last pic HD. And the meatballs sound incredible. I've never watched Giada before, but I reckon I'd be jealous too. Must work "kick it up a nacho" into conversation as soon as possible, thanks Scrappy!
ReplyDeletelivinlocal: Sometimes you just have to put your own little spin on things, you know? ;)
ReplyDeleteJessica: I know. Brilliant!
Barbara: I know what you mean about her combos. I once saw her make a sandwich with brie and chocolate that I thought looked terrible.
shaz: Scrappy should trademark that one!
I don't watch Giada often but, I know my husband likes to watch her-
ReplyDeleteThe meatballs are really inviting. I like the idea of mozzarella stuffed into it-a nice surprise for traditional meatball lovers.
Velva
P.S. I like that last photo with the steam coming up over the pasta. Would you be interested in allowing me to host your photo on my Wordless Wednesday post? The photo would be linked back to your blog. If you like the idea, let me know.
Giada's recipes always do turn out pretty good. This one has been on my "to-try" list for a while but you beat me to it! I like her but I don't like her also. I dont understand how she is so thin - it makes me doubt her abilities in the kitchen even though I have no reason to!
ReplyDeleteVelva: Thanks so much! I would love to be featured on Wordless Wednesdays!
ReplyDeleteALY: I highly recommend it--it was a big hit in this house!
Wow... Juicy Lucy meatballs... I must try this recipe, it sounds delicious! Is your niece really named scrappy or is that a nickname? Love her kick it up a nacho phrase, too cute
ReplyDeletewow great meatballs and cool idea to add cheese to them
ReplyDeleteWell, if you want to get a good laugh at Giada's expense you've got to check out http://foodnetworkhumor.com/ they are often poking fun at her.
ReplyDeleteI am curious, do u think she actually eats her own food? She has such a great figure, I doubt it.
The spaghetti and meatballs do look awesome.
*kisses* HH
Holy yum. Those meatballs look SO good, especially with those little bits of herbs sticking out. By the way, love how you captured the steam rising off the plate in that last picture.
ReplyDeleteRebecca: Thanks so much for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteHH: I just looked at that website, it's pretty funny!
Connie: Thanks! That was a lucky shot!
ReplyDeletehaving her shirts reveal 3/4 of her breasts may bring in random male viewers, but it pretty much disgusts me. that said, some of her food is downright scrumptious, and this sounds great. your pork substitution has improved it 100%.
ReplyDeletegrace: Yeah, I can't do veal. It doesn't make a lot of sense given all the other types of meat I eat but that's the way I roll...
ReplyDeleteThe picture is so good, I think I'm going to have to start eating pork. It's like your sopranos lasagna is my gateway meat dish. On to the next!
ReplyDeleteAsh: Yes, I think so (I should feel guilty about saying that but I don't...)
ReplyDeleteI love snuggling up on the couch with a bowl of pasta and a glass of red. And if said past includes meatballs that ooze cheese? Well, that sounds like paradise.
ReplyDeletecamille: It is absolutely a divine combination!
ReplyDelete