Wild Idea Buffalo Recipe of the Week – Pasta alla Carrettiera with Italian Buffalo Meatballs

This week’s Wild Idea Buffalo Recipe of the week is Pasta alla Carrettiera with Italian Buffalo Meatballs. Using 1 pound package Wild Idea Italian Buffalo Sausage. Take your Spaghetti and Meatballs to new level with this recipe. It’s from Jill O’Brien of Wild Idea Buffalo. http://wildideabuffalo.com/



Pasta alla Carrettiera with Italian Buffalo Meatballs (serves 4)
This dish is named after the people who drove food and wine carts in Italy. It is a slightly spicy red sauce, with garlic and basil, and is typically served over a thicker style of pasta. My favorite rendition of this dish also had hints of parsley and mint, which made for lingering, memorable flavors. After a little research, and substituting a few of the more difficult to find ingredients with like alternatives, I thought I might be able to come close to duplicating it. The only thing missing was Wild Idea’s artisan, Italian Buffalo Sausage, and I knew just where to go for that. This simple dish is packed with flavor and very easy to prepare. The perfect solution, for a stress free, delicious dinner!

Ingredients:
1 – 1 pound package Wild Idea Italian Buffalo Sausage

3 – tablespoons olive oil
3 – cloves garlic, about 1 tablespoon
½ – teaspoon chili flake, or pepperoncino (dried Italian chili pepper)
½ – cup basil, finely chopped
2 – tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 – tablespoon mint, finely chopped
1 – 28 ounce can whole *San Marzano Tomatoes, flash processed, *they’re the best
1 – teaspoon salt
2 – teaspoons sugar
1 – lemon, juiced, about ¼ cup
1 – cup freshly grated, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Porcini cheese
1 – 12 ounce box of Casarecce pasta, Pici pasta, or thick Spaghetti, cooked el dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water

Preparation:
1) Divide Wild Idea Italian Buffalo sausage into 24 pieces and roll into meatballs. Pour one of the tablespoons of olive oil on a baking sheet and roll the meatballs in the oil. Cover and set-aside until you are ready to broil.
2) In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the remaining tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic, and toss or stir regularly, until tender, about 3 minutes.
3) Add the basil, parsley, and half of the mint to the pan. Sauté and stir for 1 minute.

4) Add the tomatoes, salt, sugar and lemon juice and stir to incorporate. Bring to a gentle boil, cook for 5 minutes and then add the remaining mint. *Sauce can be made ahead and reheated.
5) During step 4, or right before serving, place the prepped bison meatballs on the second rack from the top of a preheated broiler, and broil the meat balls for about 5 minutes or until nicely browned.
6) Simultaneously bring the reserved pasta water to a boil. Add the prepared pasta, and toss to reheat.
7) Drain pasta, transfer to a bowl and add ½ cup of the grated cheese. Toss to incorporate.
8) Place desired amounts of pasta on to plates and cover with ¾ cup or desired amount of sauce. Serve with the hot Italian Bison meatballs and garnish with remaining grated cheese and additional fresh herbs. Delizioso!

http://wildideabuffalo.com/2015/pasta-alla-carrettiera-with-buffalo-meatballs/