Everyone knows this dish from "Lady and the Tramp" and the iconic scene featuring spaghetti and meatballs that takes place at Tony's Restaurant. Lady and Tramp share a romantic moment as they enjoy a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, with the two dogs unintentionally meeting in the middle as they slurp the same noodle. The dish is depicted as simple yet indulgent, with long strands of pasta coated in rich marinara sauce and accompanied by perfectly seasoned meatballs.

This is a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine that is a fusion of Italian and American culinary traditions. Contrary to the popular belief, the pairing of spaghetti with meatballs did not originate in Italy, but evolved in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Italian immigrants arriving in the U.S. adapted their traditional recipes to suit local tastes and ingredients, giving rise to this iconic combination.

The origins of spaghetti and meatballs can be traced back to Italian immigrants who settled in New York and other urban areas. To make their traditional meatballs stretch further and feed larger families, Italian cooks began combining them with spaghetti, a cheap and readily available ingredient. Over time, this hearty and satisfying dish gained popularity and became a staple in Italian-American households and restaurants across the country.

Combine mixed minced meat with minced garlic, fresh breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and one egg, season with salt and pepper, then shape into meatballs.

Fry the meatballs on a teaspoon of olive oil, tossing around the pan for just a few minutes until the meatballs get colour all around.

Add in tomato sauce and tomato paste, beef stock, chopped basil and bay leaves, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Cook spaghetti in salted water, then stir into the sauce and leave for a minute to combine with the sauce.

Spaghetti Meatballs