Spaghetti and Meatballs

For the meatballs, combine the bread and buttermilk in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes, mashing occasionally with a fork, until a smooth paste forms.

Place the ground meat, cheese, parsley, egg yolk, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste in a medium bow. Add the bread mixture and combine until evenly mixed. Shape 3 tablespoons of the mixture into a 1 1/2-inch round meatball to make about 14 meatballs total.

Pour the vegetable oil into a 10- or 11-inch sauté pan to a depth of 1/4 inch. Turn the heat to medium-high. After several minutes, test the oil with the edge of a meatball. When the oil sizzles, add the meatballs in a single layer. Fry, turning several times, until nicely browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Keep the oil sizzling but not smoking. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.

Bring 4 quarts water to a rolling boil in a large pot.

Discard the oil in the pan, but leave behind any browned bits. Add the olive oil and garlic and sauté, scraping up the browned bits, just until the garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and salt and pepper to taste. Add the meatballs and simmer, turning them occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Keep warm over low heat.

Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to the boiling water and stir to separate the noodles. Cook until al dente, drain, and return to the pot. Ladle several large spoonfuls of the sauce over the spaghetti and toss until the noodles are well coated.

Serve pasta with meatballs, remaining sauce, and parmesan cheese.