Stuffed Meatball Hoagies

Directions

Pour the Basic Red Sauce into a large, heavy pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Place all the remaining meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well to combine.

Using your hands, divide the meatball mixture into 12 even portions and roll into smooth meatballs.

Place meatballs on a plate as they are formed.

When all the meatballs are shaped, gently place the balls into the simmering sauce 1 at a time.

Simmer the sauce, uncovered, for at least 10 minutes before stirring.

The meatballs should begin to float to the top when they are able to be stirred.

Stir gently and continue to simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, remove the sauce from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Preheat the oven to 450℉ (230℃).

Using a sharp knife, slice a thin layer off the top of each hoagie bun and, using your hands, remove some of the bready interior to form a hollowed-out submarine shape.

Brush the inside of the hollowed out buns with the olive oil.

Divide half of the grated mozzarella evenly between the hoagie buns and bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and buns are lightly golden, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove from the oven and ladle some of the hot tomato sauce into the buns.

Place 2 or 3 meatballs inside each bun and top with more sauce.

Divide the remaining mozzarella cheese among the tops of the buns and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

Return to the oven and bake until bubbly and hot throughout and the cheeses are golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes.

Basic Red Sauce:

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat.

Add the onions, garlic, salt, basil, oregano, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and sugar to the pot with the onion and stir well.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally with a long-handled wooden spoon.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, remove the pot from the heat and use the sauce as needed.

You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Yield: 10 cups

For the essence:

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: ⅔ cup