Impossible Beef Meatball Sandwich

If you didn't know, I don't eat beef anymore. Once I got into sustainability and health a few months after college started, I stopped eating it. Unfortunately though, I missed the taste of my grandma's beautiful beef meatballs and sauce... so I made my own using Impossible Beef. When I say you will not find one difference between hers and mine, I am being completely honest. Try this recipe for yourself if you don't believe me.

---

Meatballs

-half a packet of impossible beef

-1 egg

-1/2 cup breadcrumbs

-1 half a finely chopped onion

-2 or 3 garlic gloves finely chopped

-3 Tablespoons parm (optional if dairy free)

- 1 Tablespoon Trader Joe's Soffritto Seasoning

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-few grinds of black pepper

- 4 Tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

-1 can whole tomatoes

-a packet of fresh basil

-4 garlic cloves

-1/4 onion

-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

-salt and pepper to taste

-2 Tablespoons olive oil

Assembly

-Stirdy focaccia

-mozzarella

-more fresh basil on top

To make the meatballs: In a large bowl mix the "beef", egg, cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and seasonings until well combined throughout the meat. Heat a cast iron skillet until hot. While waiting, form 1 inch thick, 2 inches wide patties out of the meat mixture (patties help keep the sandwich from falling out of the bread but make balls if eating without bread). Cook on both sides with olive oil until the meat is golden browned and seared at medium-high heat for about 6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate to cool.

---

To make the sauce (this can be made ahead very easily)!

In a heavy bottomed pot, add olive oil and let sit at medium low until hot. Add garlic, onions, and crushed red pepper to the oil and cook until onions are translucent. Add the whole can of tomato, 4 or 5 sprigs of basil, and salt and pepper. Using a potato smasher or large spoon, manually crush the tomatoes as it cooks down until there are only a few large chunks left (you can do it more if you like a smooth sauce). Cook sauce with the lid on for about 10-15 minutes. Add a whole bunch of ripped basil once finished cooking. I tend to add most of the packet and then add more on top of the sandwich since I'm a basil fanatic.

---

Preheat oven or toaster oven if you have it to a high setting or a broiler. Put focaccia down first until it is crispy and browned. Add meatballs and mozzarella on top and close the sandwich and place back in the broiler just until the cheese is melted. Take out of the oven and enjoy!

---