1/2 c coarsely sliced fresh basil or 2 tsps dried basil .
1/4 c minced fresh parsley .
250 g ground lean pork .
1/4 tsp granulated sugar .
1/2 c dry red wine or white wine or chicken stock .
2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil .
796 ml sliced canned tomatoes .
salt & pepper .
250 g lean ground beef .
3 garlic cloves, minced .
2 tsps fennel seeds, lightly crushed .
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg .
1 c coarse fresh breadcrumbs .
1 egg .
1 1/2 c crushed canned tomatoes .
1/4 tsp ground cloves .
1/4 c grated romano cheese or parmesan cheese .
1 1/2 lbs spaghetti .
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon .
2 onions, finely sliced
Directions
Step #1 In a large nonstick skillet, stirring every once in awhile, heat half of the oil over med-heat/flame; fry onions & garlic, until onions are golden.
Step #2 Scrape into bowl.
Step #3 In large bowl, ricotta cheese, fennel seeds, cinnamon, whisk together egg, salt & pepper to taste, cloves & nutmeg.
Step #4 Stir in bread crumbs, parsley, Romano or Parmesan cheese & half of the onion mixture.
Step #5 Add beef & pork; mix well.
Step #6 Refrigerate for 30 mins.
Step #7 Wet hands if necessary.
Step #8 Form meat mixture by rounded tbspfuls into balls.
Step #9 Add reamaining oil to pan.
Step #10 Brown meatballs over medium-high heat, in 2 batches; with slotted spoon, transfer to plate.
Step #11 Pour off fat.
Step #12 Add wine to pan; bring to a boil, stirring & scraping up brown bits.
Step #13 Transfer to Dutch oven.
Step #14 Stir in remaining onion mixture, half of the basil,sliced & crushed tomatoes, the sugar & remaining salt.
Step #15 Add meatballs.
Step #16 Cover up & let simmer over low heat/flame, stirring every once in awhile.