5-6pinchesFennel Seeddivided between meatballs and sauce
3tablespoonsOlive Oil
1largeOnionchopped
2clovesGarlicminced
1/4cupBoiling Water
1/4teaspoonCrushed Red Pepper
16 ounce canTomato Paste
30ouncesTomato Puree2 15 ounce cans
2tablespoonsOregano
1tablespoonGranulated Sugar
3tablespoonsFresh Basilchopped
Salt and Pepperto taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and fennel. Shape the mixture into balls, approximately the size of golf balls (using a cookie scoop works well).
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic for about 5 minutes, or until onion is soft and golden.
Stir in the tomato paste and sugar. Add the water and stir until well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the tomato puree, oregano, red pepper flakes, fennel, basil and stir. Pour sauce into slow cooker. Place meatballs into the sauce mixture.