Paglia And Fieno (Italian)(Straw And Hay)
Paglia And Fieno is a hearty Italian pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce with fresh herbs, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings offering vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 can Contadina tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sweet basil, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- a hint of oregano
- 2 large cans tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 can whole peeled tomatoes with basil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients by hand in a pan, adding water as needed, ensuring there is 1 1/2 cups of water.
- Scoop meatballs using an extra large ice cream scoop, forming small baseball-sized balls.
- Place the meatballs on an aluminum tray and bake at 400°F for at least 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, allow the meatball mixture to rest for about 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor melding. If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider substituting the sugar with a pinch of honey or agave syrup. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be added for extra depth. Serve over Spaghetti Aglio Olio for a delightful pairing.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs make a hearty meal when served over pasta or in a sub for a delicious sandwich. Pair with a fresh salad or Bruschetta Al Pomadoro for a refreshing contrast. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors beautifully. Consider serving with Italian Pea Soup for a warm, comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paglia And Fieno (Italian)(Straw And Hay) contains roughly 376 calories, with 14g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2092mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance. Just shape the meatballs and refrigerate them overnight. This will allow the flavors to deepen. When ready to cook, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, although the consistency may be slightly thinner. For a richer flavor, reduce the sauce on the stove before adding it to the meatball mixture.
Can I make these meatballs vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute like tempeh. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to enhance the flavors. These vegetarian meatballs can be cooked in the same way and will still be delicious served with your favorite pasta sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).