While here in Cleveland, the cast of Jersey Boys visited New Day Cleveland on Fox 8 and prepared Frankie Valli’s meatball recipe.
Singing isn’t Frankie Valli’s only talent—he’s also known to be a great chef and to cook especially great spaghetti and meatballs. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Tribune, Valli attributed a few things to his phenomenal food—“lots of love” and making sure to soak the breadcrumbs in warm milk before making the meatballs.
‘”I use my mom’s recipe, and I cook with love just like she did,”’ Valli told the Chicago Sun-Tribune.
David Moss, Steve Gouveia and Joseph Leo Bwarie begin to prepare Frankie Valli's meatball recipe
Fortunately, we can all enjoy a home-cooked Italian meal (almost) as great as Valli’s, as he has shared the recipe.
Cleveland is also full of local businesses to help you find the perfect ingredients for your Jersey Boys inspired meal.
The West Side Market is a fun place to start for produce and other items you might need. Ohio City Pasta has been creating fresh pasta for seventeen years, and has pasta in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors at their West Side Market stand.
Galucci’s Italian Food Market is also a long-standing part of the community. This family-owned market is a great place to look for any ingredients or supply you might need! Tresanti Italian Market is another great stop, especially for some fresh bread to serve with your meal.
Ready to get started? Here’s the recipe:
Frankie Valli’s Secret Recipe for Meatballs
Quinn VanAntwerp and Matt Bailey finish preparing the meal.
Ingredients:
A “whole-lotta” fresh breadcrumbs (about 1½ cups)
About 1 cup milk (warm)
1 lb. ground beef
½ lb. ground pork or veal
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried oregano
About 2 cloves of minced garlic
1 extra-large egg, beaten
Directions:
1. Remove all jewelry, especially rings – wash hands
2. Soak breadcrumbs in warm milk for a few minutes
3. Add the remaining ingredients and combine with jewelry-free, clean hands
4. Roll mixture into sizable balls (about 2 inches in diameter)
5. Brown meatballs well in frying pan with olive oil – finish cooking in a simmering pan of Italian gravy (i.e. tomato sauce)
6. Serve meatballs (garnish with parsley, freshly grated Parmesan) over pasta with a piece of crusty bread on the side
Click here for video of the guys in the kitchen with David Moss.
Jersey Boys still in town until July 17—visit playhousesquare.org for more information on the show!
Tags: Cleveland, cooking, Fox 8, Frankie Valli, jersey boys, PlayhouseSquare
