GRILLED PASTA WITH GRILLED MEATBALLS

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Grilled Pasta with Grilled Meatballs image

Grilling the pasta makes it entirely new, adding a smoky flavor and the occasional browned crunchy bit of pasta, which is delicious. Find out how to do it.

Provided by Michael Chiarello

Categories     Beef     Pasta     Tomato     Kid-Friendly     Backyard BBQ     Ground Beef     Summer     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Small Plates

Yield Serves 8 as a first course

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 pounds ground sirloin
2 eggs
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
2 cups finely ground dried bread crumbs
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons coarse sea salt, preferably gray salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups water, plus more if needed
5 tablespoons kosher salt
1 pound dried spaghetti
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups Grilled Tomato Sauce
4 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix together the meat, eggs, cheese, parsley, oregano, basil, onion, bread crumbs, and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of the water. Knead the water into the meat mixture with your hands. Knead and form meatballs into about 1 1/2-inch balls with a 2-ounce scoop (see Chef's Note) or roll into balls with your hands.
  • VAC-PACKED COOKING METHOD: Seal the meatballs with just a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil and cook them in 130°F water for 35 minutes.
  • OLD-WORLD COOKING METHOD: Place the meatballs in a large saucepan or skillet on the stove (use 2 pans if they don't all fit in a single pan), add 1/2 cup of the water over them (1/2 cup water to each pan if using 2 pans), and cover. Steam the meatballs over medium heat for about 25 minutes. Transfer to a platter and refrigerate until you're ready to grill them.
  • Turn a gas grill to high or ignite charcoal. When the grill is hot, for both gas and charcoal grills, clean your grill rack. Decrease the temperature to medium-high (on a gas grill only), and brush or wipe a little olive oil on the grill rack.
  • In batches, grill the meatballs in a cast-iron pan or plancha on the grill until they're well-browned all the way around, 4 minutes total for the vac-packed meatballs and about 6 minutes total for the pan-cooked meatballs. Remove from the heat and reserve.
  • Fill a large pot with about 5 quarts of water, add the kosher salt, and bring to a boil over high heat on your stove. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Spread the pasta on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, so it won't stick together.
  • Lightly oil a long, flat grill basket or spritz with nonstick cooking spray. With tongs, add half the pasta to the basket, arranging it in a thin even layer. (If you have two grill baskets, cook both batches of pasta at once.) Place the basket on a rack over hot coals and turn frequently, until the pasta turns a golden color. You'll hear it crackling during grilling.
  • Empty the grill basket into a large heat-proof bowl. Toss the pasta with 1 to 2 cups of Grilled Tomato Sauce. If it needs some moisture, add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss again. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of the pecorino cheese. Toss. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with the remaining pecorino cheese, and serve immediately.

syed zahid hussain shah
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This recipe is a crime against humanity. It should be banned from all cookbooks.


Kenia Garcia
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This recipe is an abomination. It should be removed from the internet immediately.


Mohmmed Riham
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This recipe is a culinary disaster. I'm surprised anyone would publish it.


Hridoy
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I would not recommend this recipe to anyone. It's a waste of time and ingredients.


mhiz favy
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This recipe is not worth the effort. The meatballs were bland and the pasta was overcooked.


Sina Fahime
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I followed the recipe exactly, but my meatballs didn't turn out right. They were too tough.


Nepali Prabin
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This recipe was too complicated for me. I ended up just making a simple pasta dish instead.


Muko Abdallah
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The meatballs were a bit dry. I think I would add some more moisture next time.


MasDiaz
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This recipe is a bit bland for my taste. I added some extra spices and herbs to give it more flavor.


Daniel Ewing
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I'm not a fan of grilled pasta, but this recipe was surprisingly good. The pasta was still al dente and the grilled flavor was subtle.


Hunter Griffis
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover grilled meat. The pasta is also a nice change from the usual side dishes.


Tamara Debloghian
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I made this recipe for my family and they loved it! The meatballs were especially popular.


Mr Azan
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The meatballs are amazing and the pasta is delicious.


Helmuts Kazaks
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I love this recipe! The meatballs are so moist and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked perfectly.


habie habie
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and the results are delicious.


June
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I've made this recipe several times and it always turns out great. The meatballs are always juicy and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked perfectly.


Jaddah Mobile
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious. I especially liked the grilled flavor of the meatballs.


Shajid Mizan
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I made this recipe for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the meatballs and the pasta. I will definitely be making this again.


shrimp!
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I'm not a huge fan of grilled pasta, but this recipe changed my mind. The pasta was still al dente and the grilled flavor was amazing. The meatballs were also very good.


Joshua Ogbugo
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This recipe is a keeper! The meatballs were so flavorful and juicy, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. I loved the combination of flavors and textures.