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1
Add the meat to a large bowl, spread it out and season with salt, to taste.
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2
Add the remaining ingredients leaving the bread crumbs until last.
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3
Mix until all the ingredients are combined.
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4
Create a small patty and test it in a small saute pan in 1 tablespoon of oil.
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5
When browned on both sides, taste and reseason the meat mixture, if needed.
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6
Roll the mixture into about 20 to 25 or so balls that are about 2 inches in diameter.
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7
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.
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8
When the oil begins to smoke lightly, shut off the heat to avoid splattering, add the meatballs in a single layer and spread them somewhat apart so they have a chance to brown instead of steam.
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9
You may need to do this in batches.
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10
Brown the meatballs, over high heat, turning them so they brown all around.
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11
Treat them like hamburgers and cook them until they are medium-rare, about 3 to 5 minutes.
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12
Touch them to make sure they are still tender in the center.
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13
Use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove them from the pan to a tray and cook off the remaining balls, if needed.
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14
Add the meatballs to the hot tomato sauce and allow them to bubble slightly and simmer over very low heat for a few minutes.
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15
Shut off the heat and allow the mixture to rest for a few additional minutes before serving.
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16
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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17
Add the onions, the garlic, red pepper flakes, and sugar and season with salt, to taste.
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18
Stir in the carrots and reseason with salt.
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19
Cook for about 2 minutes, and then add canned tomatoes.
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20
Use a wooden spoon to break up some of the whole tomatoes and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time, about 5 to 10 minutes.
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21
Add half of the water to prevent the veggies from getting too dry and continue cooking another 10 minutes.
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22
Taste for seasoning.
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23
The tomatoes should be fairly broken down and the flavors coming together.
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24
Add remaining water, as needed, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
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25
The sauce cooks about as long as it takes to make the meatballs from start to finish, about 45 minutes.
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26
Stir in the basil leaves and season with Parmesan.