Stranger Foods

Sausage meatball sandwiches

Serves 4 | Prep 25 mins | Cook 50 mins

We like the combo of spicy and sweet Italian sausage, but use any uncooked sausage you like—merguez or chorizo would work.

Ingredients

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Using wet hands, lightly roll sausage into 12 golf ball size balls (about 2 oz. each). Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned all over, . Transfer to a plate.
Add fennel, onion, half of garlic, and 2 tbsp oil to same pot; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent and golden brown around edges, .
Add tomatoes, crushing with your hands as you go, and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce just begins to thicken, .
Return meatballs to pot, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced by half and meatballs are coated and cooked through, .
Meanwhile, heat broiler. Process basil, remaining garlic, and remaining 4 tbsp oil in a food processor to a smooth paste; season with salt and pepper. Smear half of basil mixture over cut sides of rolls and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil rolls until golden brown, about .
Place meatballs inside rolls, then top with sauce and mozzarella. Broil until mozzarella is melted and bubbling, about . Spoon remaining basil mixture over sandwiches.