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1
Pass the tomatoes and their liquid through a food mill fitted with the fine disc.
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2
Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a 4- to 5-quart pot over medium high heat. Stir in the onion and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 4 minutes.
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3
Pour in the tomatoes, crushed red pepper and bay leaves, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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4
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat so the sauce is at a lively simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
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5
Meanwhile, crumble the pork and beef into a mixing bowl.
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6
Sprinkle the bread crumbs, 1/3 cup grated cheese, the parsley, and garlic over the meat.
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7
Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until blended. Pour over the meat mixture. Mix the ingredients with clean hands just until evenly blended. Don't overmix.
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8
Shape the meat mixture into 1-1/2 inch balls.
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9
Dredge the meatballs in the flour until lightly but evenly coated.
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10
Heat 1/4 cup olive oil and the vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
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11
Slip as many meatballs into the skillet as will fit without crowding. Fry, turning as necessary, until golden brown on all sides, about 6 minutes. Adjust the heat as the meatballs cook to prevent them from overbrowning.
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12
Remove the meatballs, and repeat if necessary with the remaining meatballs.
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13
Add the browned meatballs to the tomato sauce and cook, stirring gently with a wooden spoon, until no trace of pink remains at the center of the meatballs, about 30 minutes.
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14
Stir the spaghetti into the boiling water. Return to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook the pasta, semi-covered, stirring occasionally, until done, about 8 minutes.
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15
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Spoon in about 2 cups of the tomato sauce, tossing well until the pasta is coated with sauce.
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16
Remove from the heat and toss in 2/3 cup grated cheese. Check the seasoning, and add salt and pepper if necessary.
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17
Serve the pasta in warm bowls or piled high on a large warm platter.
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18
Spoon a little more of the sauce over the pasta, and pass the remaining sauce separately. Pass the meatballs family-style in a bowl, or top the bowls or platter of spaghetti with them.
