A Taste of Tradition: Frank Sinatra’s Mom’s Spaghetti and Meatballs
Frank Sinatra, a legendary voice of the 20th century, often drew inspiration from his Italian roots. Raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatra carried a deep appreciation for his family’s heritage, which shined through in both his music and his love for food. His mother, Natalina “Dolly” Garaventa, influenced his culinary tastes, particularly with her homemade spaghetti and meatballs—a dish that has become a classic staple in American Italian cuisine.
All About Mrs. Sinatra’s Spaghetti and Meatballs
This beloved recipe comes from the WFBL Cook Book of the Stars, shared by a Syracuse, New York radio station. The spaghetti and meatballs combination, while an American creation, reflects the Italian immigrant experience. Mrs. Sinatra’s version keeps it simple yet delicious, featuring plenty of sauce and cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound chopped meat (½ pork, ½ beef)
- 1 clove garlic (finely chopped)
- ½ cup grated Italian cheese (Parmesan or similar)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (chopped)
- 1 large can Italian-style tomatoes
- 1 can tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon ground parsley
- Thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
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Prepare the Meatballs:
- Mix all meatball ingredients thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into balls and brown in plenty of oil. Set aside.
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Make the Sauce:
- Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the same oil used for browning the meatballs.
- Crush the tomatoes (if whole) and add them with the purée to the pan.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
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Combine:
- Return the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
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Cook the Spaghetti:
- About 15 minutes before serving, cook spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions.
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Serve:
- On a platter, layer the sauce, spaghetti, and cheese; repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Enjoy your meal piping hot!
Feel the nostalgia and flavor of Frank Sinatra’s Italian roots with this simple yet unforgettable recipe. It’s not just a meal—it’s a slice of history and tradition!