Try this Summer Garden Fresh Pasta Sauce with Israeli-Inspired Meatballs Featuring Artza’s Unique Ingredients

This recipe is inspired by the fresh flavors of summer, paired with the exotic flavor of Israeli Schnitzel Spice Mix from Artza subscription box. I used 1 1/4 pounds of fresh tomatoes from my garden, along with freshly picked herbs – basil and oregano to create the homemade sauce. The meatballs included the special touch of Artza’s Israeli breadcrumbs, Israeli Schnitzel Spice Mix. Don’t miss out on the video at the end, “Summer Garden Tomato Pasta Sauce with Israeli Inspired Meatballs f/ Artza” for a look into how it all came together.

Ingredients

Pasta Sauce:

• 1 1/4 lb fresh garden tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Hefty pinch of red pepper flakes
• Handful of fresh garden herbs (basil and oregano)

Israeli-Inspired Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• A few splashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup Israeli seasoned breadcrumbs (Schnitzel Spice Mix from Artza)

Recipe Instructions

Pasta Sauce:

1. Weigh out 1 1/4 lb of fresh garden tomatoes and crush them in a food processor.
2. Heat 1/4 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan.
3. Finely dice 1 large onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Sauté in the oil for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the pureed tomatoes to the saucepan, followed by the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Meanwhile, boil 1 lb of pasta according to package instructions.
7. Once the sauce has thickened, top the cooked pasta with the fresh sauce, meatballs, and optionally, Parmesan cheese.

Israeli-Inspired Meatballs:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 lb ground beef, a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, and 1/2 cup of Israeli seasoned breadcrumbs.
3. Form the mixture into 12-15 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

Benefits of Using Fresh Summer Garden Ingredients

Using fresh summer garden ingredients provides peak flavor and optimal vitamin content. There’s also the immense satisfaction of consuming something you grew yourself. Freshly picked tomatoes and herbs bring vibrant tastes and rich nutrients that enhance any dish.

Tips for Selecting and Storing Fresh Ingredients:

• Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are firm, aromatic, and brightly colored. Store them at room temperature and use within a few days for the best flavor.
• Herbs: Harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Store them in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

About the Artza Subscription Box

Artza offers the Holy Land subscription box, delivering artisanal food, crafts, and content straight to your door. Each box contains high-quality products from Israel, supporting local businesses and charities. The Israeli Schnitzel Spice Mix is a standout item, adding a unique flavor to various dishes.

Purchase Details:

• Exclusive Offer: Use the code VINTAGEVIRTUES for 20% off your subscription. This exclusive discount is more than the typical flash sale offered by Artza and is available to Vintage Virtues fans.
• Buy Breadcrumbs Separately: You can purchase the Israeli Schnitzel Spice Mix without a subscription from the Artza store.

Homemade Freshness

I’ve only made homemade sauce a handful of times, and every single time I think, this is so easy, I should do it more often. The abundant harvest of tomatoes surely motivated me to make it from scratch. I love that I was able to pair the fresh flavors of my summer garden with the exotic flavor of the Israeli breadcrumbs. The result was a bright and flavorful sauce with a kick of spice, and I felt good about the fully loaded nutritional value in this meal.

Summer Garden Tomato Pasta Sauce with Israeli Inspired Meatballs f/ Artza

To Recap

I love that I was able to pair the fresh flavors of my summer garden with the exotic flavor of the Israeli breadcrumbs. The result was a bright and flavorful sauce, with a kick of spice. I also felt good about the fully loaded nutritional value in this meal. It was a hearty meal.

I encourage you to try this recipe. Don’t be discouraged by the thought of making homemade sauce—it isn’t reserved for Italian Nona’s only—you can do it! If you do not have the Israeli breadcrumbs, feel free to substitute regular breadcrumbs. You can order the Israeli breadcrumbs from Artza’s new store, where you can pick up items from past boxes. I have absolutely loved all of my Artza boxes and have also purchased them as gifts for family. Get a piece of the Holy Land with every box and support Israeli artisans at the same time. The support is especially needed during this time of war.

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