PASTA AND MEATBALLS (Low Sodium)

MEAT: 3 LBS Ground Beef; 2 Eggs; 1 med. Onion-diced fine; 3 pieces of a clove of garlic-diced fine; ½ cup Breadcrumbs-no salt; 1 tsp Italian Spice; ¼ tsp. Black Pepper;

SAUCE: 2 large(8oz) cans of Tomato Sauce-low salt: 1 can(6oz) of Tomato Puree-low salt; 1 small can of tomato paste-low salt; ½ tsp. Garlic Powder; ½ tsp Onion powder; 1 tsp Italian spice; PASTA: 2 lb. Spaghetti or other pasta(penne, rotini, rigatoni, etc..) Smaller pasta is easier for the elderly to handle when they eat. 6 – 8 qt. Water. VEGETABLE: Fresh or frozen vegetable of choice (Such as chopped spinach, green beans, broccoli, etc..) Do not add salt during cooking.. 2 large Pots; 1 large Baking pan; Colander

Mix Ground Beef, Eggs, Onions, Garlic, Breadcrumbs and Spices. Roll meat into balls. (Size of meatball varies the amount of servings). Place meatballs in baking pan and place pan in 350° oven for 45 minutes. Now wash your hands to remove meat residue. When meat is fully cooked, remove pan from the oven and remove meatballs from the pan immediately. Place meatballs on a tray to drain grease from meat.

In a large saucepot place tomato sauce, puree, paste, garlic powder, onion powder and spices. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir mixture frequently. When sauce is finished, remove pot from heat.

Fill large pot with 6-8 quarts of water and bring water to a boil. When water boils, place pasta in pot. Stir to get pasta under the water and bring water to a boil again. Reduce heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently. When pasta is finished cooking, drain through colander.

Place spaghetti with sauce in the large compartment of the Aid For Friends tray. Place 2 or 3 meatballs with sauce in the smaller compartment. Vegetable or applesauce may be placed in the other small compartment. Cover the tray with tin foil, place a menu sheet with the date on top of the tray. Mark the menu sheet in large print “REDUCED SODIUM” or use the Aid For Friends “REDUCED SODIUM” yellow menu sheet. Place the tray and menu sheet in the plastic bag. Use a twist tie to close the bag. Freeze immediately.