Kyiv-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Heat oven to 350°F. Oil a baking sheet well.

In large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients with your hands until just combined. Don't overwork - the meat should feel soft but hold together. (The mixture should feel like soft clay. If too wet, add breadcrumbs a handful at a time.)

Roll into balls the size of walnuts - not too big or they won't cook through.

Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through.

While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and cook until onions turn golden at edges, another 3-4 minutes.

Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 20 minutes until thick. (Good crushed tomatoes make all the difference - don't use diced or whole.)

Stir in fresh basil and taste for seasoning.

Add finished meatballs to sauce and simmer together 5 minutes so flavors marry.