This dish has another name. My children call it ‘Lupin III Spaghetti’. If you have just said ‘YES!’, you know Hayao Miyazaki, a legendary Japanese animation director and a co-founder of Studio Ghibli. He is famous for loads of animated films. You may know ‘Spirited Away’, one of his award-winning works. In the film called ‘The Castle of Cagliostro’, there is a scene the main character ‘Arsène Lupin III’ enjoys this spaghetti with his friend Jigen, and that scene is quite well known. That’s why they call it ‘Lupin III Spaghetti’.

Makes

4 Servings

Ingredients

Spaghetti 400g
Pork & Beef Mince 500g
Garlic 1 clove *finely chopped
Onion 1/4 *finely chopped OR grated
‘Panko’ Breadcrumbs 1/2 cup
Egg 1
Salt & Black Pepper
Parsley 2 tablespoons *finely chopped

Tomato Sauce
Olive Oil 1 tablespoon
Onion 3/4 *finely chopped
Garlic 1 clove *finely chopped
Canned Tomato 400g x 2 *OR Passata 700g
Italian Herb Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons
Salt & Black Pepper

Method
  1. Make meatballs first. Combine Mince, Garlic, Onion, Breadcrumbs and Egg in a large bowl. Season with Salt and Pepper. Roll 1 heaped tablespoonful of mince mixture into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  2. Make Tomato Sauce next. Heat Olive Oil in a large frying pan or a pot over medium heat. Cook Onion and Garlic for 3-4 minutes or until soft. Add Tomato and Herbs, increase heat to high and bring to the boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low, add the meatballs and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked and the sauce thickens. Season with Salt and Pepper.
  3. Meanwhile, cook Spaghetti according to the instruction. Drain well, then add to the sauce and gently toss until well combined.
  4. Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over and serve immediately.