Chef Donatella of PROVA PIZZABAR Shares Recipe for National Meatball Day on 3/9

Located in the Grand Central Station, Chef Donatella Arpaia's stylish Italian eatery, Prova Pizzabar is a great experience. Arpaia has created tempting salads, pizzas and delicious entrees. Guests can also enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails. Whether you dining in or taking out, it's a top midtown destination. The fine food and service is perfect for busy commuters at the Station. A customer favorite is her "Mama Maria's Meatballs." Serve them in a sandwich or with your favorite sauce and pasta. Chef Donatella is sharing her incredible recipe with our readers. National Meatball Day is on Friday, March 9, but we suggest you celebrate it all year-round.

Mama Maria's Meatballs (Serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

-1 small loaf of stale Italian bread (about 8 thick slices) torn into 2 ½ inch chunks

-2 lbs. 80% lean ground beef chuck, broken up

-5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

-1/2 cup of finely chopped flat leaf parsley

-1 large egg, lightly beaten

-1 ½ cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano

-kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

-canola oil for frying

Method:

-Put bread in a bowl and add enough warm water to cover. Let stand for 5 minutes turning to moisten evenly. Gently squeeze out excess water.

-Add beef, garlic, parsley, egg, and ¾ cup of Parmigiano to the bread and combine. Season with Salt and Pepper. Knead the mixture for at least 5 minutes with your hands, until uniformly combined and smooth.

- Pinch a tablespoon of meat into your palms and shape into a ball. Place on a baking sheet and continue with the rest of the mixture.

-Fill a 10" skillet halfway with canola oil and heat over high heat. When strands form along the bottom, lower 8-10 meatballs at a time into the oil. Do not overcrowd. They should be ¾ submerged in oil. Reduce the heat to medium and fry for 6-7 minutes each side, turning only once.

-Remove the meatballs from the oil and turn the heat back up to high before starting the second batch.

As they say in Italy, "Salute."

Prova Pizzabar is located in Grand Central Terminal, 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017. Call 212.972.0386 or visit: https://provapizzabar.com/menu/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Prova Pizzabar

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