No waiting, no fuss—just straight-up comfort in under an hour. While the sauce simmers, we’re mixing up juicy short rib meatballs (my go-to cut, thanks to its perfect balance of meat and fat), seasoned with fresh parsley, garlic, and a hit of za’atar for that herby, slightly earthy kick. And let’s talk about the sauce—anchovies melt right into the base, and trust me, you'd be surprised how much they elevate the entire dish. It’s not fishy, just packed with deep, savory flavor that ties everything together. Once the meatballs are golden and pan-fried, they drop straight into that sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor while the pasta water boils. The short ribs keep the meatballs ridiculously tender, almost melting as they finish cooking. Toss the pasta, pile on the meatballs, finish with parm, basil, olive oil—and what you get is basically a hug in a bowl. Perfect for a cozy date night, a fun weekend lunch, or honestly, anytime you want something simple but deeply satisfying. Reminds me of my time in Italy—where food is all about flavor and feeling, not fuss.

4 plates

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