$10 vs $100 Spaghetti (Which One Wins?) | Alex Guarnaschelli

One of these cost $10 and one of them cost $100. The question is, is this one 10 times better than this one? I'm making both versions of spaghetti and meatballs — a budget-friendly classic with simple pantry staples and a luxurious elevated version with ground ribeye, pancetta, cream, and fresh everything. Watch to find out which one wins.

#alexguarnaschelli #spaghetti #spaghettiandmeatballs #pastatastetest

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Ingredients:

For the $10 Spaghetti and Meatballs:

Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons garlic powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon dried oregano
Fresh parsley, chopped
Kosher salt to taste
¼ cup grated pecorino cheese
2 tablespoons dried breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
Olive oil (for browning)

Sauce:
1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon dried oregano
Kosher salt to taste
Olive oil

Pasta:
1 lb spaghetti
Kosher salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

Step 1. In a skillet over medium heat, combine canned tomatoes, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and olive oil. Simmer.

Step 2. In a bowl, spread ground beef along the sides. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, parsley, pecorino, and breadcrumbs. Add egg and gently mix until just combined.

Step 3. Form a small patty, fry, and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4. Roll meatballs into golf ball-sized balls. Brown in olive oil over medium heat until golden.

Step 5. Salt boiling water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.

Step 6. Toss spaghetti in sauce with a splash of pasta water. Top with meatballs and pecorino. Serve hot.

For the $100 Spaghetti and Meatballs:

Meatballs:
1 lb ground ribeye steak (about $40)
Fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons garlic powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes
½ cup grated Parmesan Reggiano
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
Kosher salt to taste
Olive oil (for browning)

Sauce:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 oz pancetta (salted pork belly), diced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
Splash of white wine
Splash of heavy cream
Fresh basil leaves

Pasta:
1 lb artisanal spaghetti or corkscrew pasta (cavatappi)
Kosher salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

Step 1. In a bowl, spread ground ribeye along the sides. Sprinkle with salt, parsley, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and panko. Add egg and minced garlic. Gently mix.

Step 2. Form a small patty, fry, and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3. Roll meatballs into golf ball-sized balls. Brown in olive oil until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 4. In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Cook onion until tender. Stir in tomato paste until caramelized. Add pancetta and cook until rendered. Add garlic and cook briefly.

Step 5. Add tomatoes, white wine, and cream. Simmer and stir to combine.

Step 6. Return meatballs to sauce and glaze.

Step 7. Salt boiling water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain.

Step 8. Toss pasta in sauce. Top with fresh basil. Serve hot.


Chapters
00:00 Intro $10 vs $100 Spaghetti and Meatballs
00:16 Making The $10 Tomato Sauce
00:56 Making The $10 Meatballs
03:59 Browning Meatballs And Cooking Pasta
07:28 Plating And Tasting The $10 Version
08:48 Making The $100 Meatballs With Ribeye
11:47 Making The $100 Sauce With Pancetta And Wine
14:51 Plating And Tasting The $100 Version
17:03 Winner Revealed

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About Alex Guarnaschelli:
Welcome to my official YouTube channel! I'm Alex Guarnaschelli; chef, mother, and badass New Yorker born and raised in New York City. You have seen me cooking and competing all over the Food Network, but now, I'm playing by my rules. Here you will find my favorite recipes from over 30 years of cooking along with some pro tips and real time thoughts. This is not a cooking show with all the glitz and glam. This is real; the way cooking should be.

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$10 vs $100 Spaghetti and Meatballs Which One Wins | Alex Guarnaschelli
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxDNQJwN4TVXCs8SSdHDpg