Miniature Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

I don't know if you have noticed but I am completely in love with my new Williams Sonoma Cooking at Home cookbook.  I have seen a lot of people complaining about that fact there are no pictures and I find it very sad.  They are totally missing out on some GREAT food!!  Here is another family favorite.  The book said that these are one of the most popular tapas served in Spain and I can see why.  Yum.  This dish, some crusty bread and a fresh salad made for a fantastic quick weeknight meal that my kids and husband LOVED!

Miniature Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

3/4 lb ground pork

3/4 ground beef

1 cup dried bread crumbs

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground cumin

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper

For sauce:

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)

1 cup dry white wine

Salt and pepper

1Tbsp sugar (not in recipe but I like my sauce a bit sweet)

Preheat the oven to 350 degree.  To make the meatballs, in a bowl, combine the pork, beef, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, cayenne, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.  Mix well.

To shape the meatballs, dampen your hands with water and roll the mixture between your palms, forming about 30 balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.  As the balls are formed, place them on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake until almost firm to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes.  Remove from the oven and set aside.

While the meatballs are baking, begin making the sauce.  In a frying pan over medium heat, warm the oil.  Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 to 7 minutes.  Add the tomatoes, sugar (if using) and wine and simmer slowly until thickened, about 15 minutes.

Add the meatballs and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper and continue to simmer slowly until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cook through, about 10 minutes.

Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a bowl and serve hot, warm, or a room temperature.