Bella Notte Pasta
Description
Few scenes in Disney history are as romantic as the shared plate of spaghetti in Lady and the Tramp. This dish is a heartfelt nod to that moment, with its slow-roasted tomato sauce and tender vegan meatballs setting the stage for warmth and connection. It captures the idea that love can be simple and sincere—just a plate of good food, a starry sky, and someone to share it with.
The film’s Italian-American setting inspires the rustic richness of the sauce and the comforting familiarity of spaghetti. It’s a dish made to be shared, evoking the joy of togetherness and the timeless charm of a candlelit dinner in a back alley trattoria. This course is the heart of the meal, full of flavour and a little magic.
Ingredients
For the slow-roasted tomato sauce:
For the meatballs:
For serving:
Instructions
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Roast the tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan) / 180°C / Gas 4. In a roasting tray, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olive oil, tomato purée, oregano, salt, and pepper. Roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and caramelised.
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Make the sauce: Once roasted, transfer everything to a blender or use a stick blender to purée the mixture into a sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
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Make the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic for 5–7 minutes until soft. In a food processor, combine sautéed onion mixture, lentils, oats, breadcrumbs, tomato purée, soy sauce, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined but still textured.
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Form the mixture into 18–20 small balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 180°C (fan) / 200°C / Gas 6 for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and return to the pan.
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Stir the roasted tomato sauce through the pasta, then plate and top with 3–4 meatballs per person. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs, if using.
