Ingredients

• 1/2 cup bulgur, (see Ingredient Note)
• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 28-ounce c diced tomatoes
• 4 cups diced plum tomatoes, (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups cubed whole-wheat country bread
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 1 pound 93%-lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar, (optional)

---

Cooking Directions

Step 1

Place bulgur in a medium bowl and cover generously with hot water. Let soak for 30 minutes. Drain in a fine sieve, pressing to remove excess liquid.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, about 1 minute. Stir in canned tomatoes and plum tomatoes; increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Partially cover and let simmer while you prepare meatballs.

Step 3

Place bread in a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Let soak for a few minutes. Drain and squeeze out moisture.

Step 4

Whisk egg and egg white in a large bowl. Add the bulgur, the bread, beef, Parmesan, cinnamon, pepper and salt. Gently combine with a potato masher and/or your hands. Form into 20 oval meatballs about 2 inches long.

Step 5

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; blot with paper towels. Brown the remaining meatballs.

Step 6

Mash the simmering tomato sauce with a potato masher to break down any large chunks of tomato. Add the meatballs to the sauce. Simmer over low heat, partially covered, for 50 minutes.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and add sugar, if it seems tart, and additional pepper to taste. Serve the meatballs with the sauce.