Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup California raisins
  • 1/2 Cup sweet red wine, e.g., Marsala or grape juice
  • 1/2 Pound extra lean ground beef
  • 1/2 Pound ground pork
  • 1/2 Pound ground veal
  • 1 Cup plain bread crumbs
  • 11/2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 Tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 Tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 large cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 large sweet onion, chopped fine
  • 1 large eggs
  • Olive oil; for frying
  • 1 jar (25 ounces) prepared or homemade tomato sauce

Procedure

Measure raisins into small bowl, pour 1 cup wine over. Set aside and let soak for 1 hour.

Combine beef, pork and veal in a large bowl and mix well. Add bread crumbs, basil, mint, salt and pepper. Stir in garlic, onion and egg. Then, add raisins and mix well. Divide and shape into 24 meatballs.

Heat olive oil in ovenproof skillet; brown meatballs on all sides. Add tomato sauce; heat to boiling and simmer 2 to 3 hours or bake. Serve piping hot over hot pasta.

Notes: May also be shaped into loaf with sauce spooned on top and baked, covered, at 325°F for 1-1/2 hours till temperature at center reaches 160°F.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories 310 (Calories from Fat 35%); Total Fat 12 ( Saturated Fat 4.5; Trans Fat 0; ); Cholesterol 80; Sodium 630; Potassium 712; Total Carbohydrate 26; Dietary Fiber 3; Sugars 9; Protein 21; Calcium 55; Iron 3;

Try Another Recipe

Pulled Pork with Raisin Corn Bread

All Recipes

There are many more ways to use raisins for healthy cooking. Take a look at our recipe page for more delicious dishes.
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Raisins are great food choices for most individuals, including those with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- by James W. Anderson, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Emeritus, University of Kentucky.