1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for topping
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons milk
1 large egg, beaten
8 ounces ground chuck
8 ounces ground pork
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
5 cups Classic Tomato Basil Sauce, recipe follows
1 pound spaghetti
Fresh basil, for garnish
4 pounds ripe plum tomatoes or two 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice, such as Organic Muir Glen
2 heads garlic, cloves peeled and halved lengthwise
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons hot red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped fresh basil