How do you add a fresh twist to a classic meal that's been around for more than a century? Well, look no further. The people at Allrecipes, a YouTube channel full of instructional cooking videos, have an answer -- and it's a good one.
The
Smithsonian Magazine says that spaghetti and meatballs rose to prominence in the early 20th century. Millions of immigrants flooded to America during that time and sought after an affordable and filling food item; meatballs were the perfect solution. Then came the addition of spaghetti and sauce to create a balanced meal.
Over time, the recipe evolved and has since been perfected -- it's still a staple on dinner plates today. The nature of the recipe has largely remained the same, though each chef may add their own personal twist.
The folks at Allrecipes came up with a pretty neat spin on the storied dish. The unique element? A muffin tin. For starters, cook a batch of spaghetti. After straining, add some olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes before adding a generous serving of Parmesan cheese if you so desire. Here's where the muffin tin comes into play.
Fill each cup with a handful of spaghetti and evenly pack it in. Then, dollop on a bit of your sauce of choosing, add a meatball, and top it off with a bit more sauce. If you feel the need, sprinkle on a bit more Parmesan before throwing the tray in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the pasta is sufficiently heated.
Take the muffin tin out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. There's no doubt that these appetizers will be a hit at your next party. Bon appétit!
Check out the video below courtesy of Allrecipes to see the process in action.