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.

David Petitt
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This recipe is a must-try! The grilled meatballs and pasta are amazing.


Ch Abu baker
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This is my new favorite pasta dish! The grilled meatballs are so flavorful and the pasta is cooked perfectly.


PSHYCO NEPAL
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I made this recipe for a party and it was a huge success! Everyone loved the grilled meatballs and pasta.


Christopher Overby
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I don't recommend this recipe. The meatballs were tough and the pasta was mushy.


Aline saad alyabes
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This recipe is just okay. The meatballs were a bit bland and the pasta was undercooked.


Michael “Mikey” Gibson
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I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my meatballs were dry and tough. The pasta was also overcooked.


Omsri Sinhala Tech
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pasta. Just grill some meatballs and toss them with the pasta. It's a quick and easy meal that's also delicious.


Vidal Kalim
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I love the grilled flavor in this dish. It really makes the meatballs and pasta stand out.


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


Fariha Aqib
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I've made this recipe several times now and it's always a hit. The meatballs are so good that I often make them on their own.


usman hashim
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This dish is perfect for a summer cookout. It's easy to make and everyone will love it.


Joseph Moran
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I'm not a big fan of meatballs, but these were really good. They were moist and flavorful, and the grilled flavor was a nice touch.


Muhammad Pervez
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This recipe is easy to follow and the results are amazing. The grilled flavor really comes through in both the meatballs and the pasta.


Byby Qs
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I made this dish last night and it was a hit with my family! The meatballs were especially delicious.


Bishal Banjade
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This grilled pasta with grilled meatballs recipe is a keeper! The meatballs were so juicy and flavorful, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this dish again.