If it's about real love , keep the flowers aside & make some spaghetti instead !

So it is 11pm on Tuesday night and I feel so happy that the day has finally ended and we are almost onto midweek . I am in that moment of ' self ' and in my new , self claimed work space , aka my dining table , which is now my much coveted work space - Also read as ' with more space and all the 6 seaters to myself ' ! On the music deck tonight is Meghan Trainor . And I am loving everything about this disgruntled and cluttered space right at this moment :)

The joy about today's dinner was also this super easy week night dish in the form of a luscious Spaghetti & Meatball . I had not made this classic for ages now and what a sheer delight it was to get back to this plate of goodness doused in Olive oil . I would blindly trust any cook who would agree that something magical happens when spaghetti meets meat ball . The spiced and seasoned ground meat turns simple spaghetti into a whole new dish with flavors that are completely different from regular noodle in a pan . I think it is also something that has to do with subtle touch and marriage of cheese , olive oil and the Italian basil .

I was particularly more excited , as the Italian Basil that went into my dish tonight , came straight from my balcony garden , making everything a bigger all round winner . Basil is one of the essential Italian herbs which is also very easy to grow . This shrub has long, dark green leaves which are mildly sweet and have a strong fragrant taste. It is best used in pesto or in any tomato based sauce . I use it quite often ( much to my husband's chagrin , as he has been fathering the shrub (!) ) and pick it fresh from the plant , for all my salads or last minute bruschetta . Also , it is a must add to my oh so relaxing cup of morning lemon tea which , incidentally is what shakes me awake ! To store Basil in your home kitchen , stand it in a glass of water on your kitchen counter , like you would do to a bouquet of flowers . While a lot of people also use dry basil , I personally feel it really does not have the same flavor , so I would strongly recommend the fresh one's always .

Coming to think of it , I wonder that if I were someone who could eat and travel infinitely without any consequence, I would definitely be living my best life - & quite honestly- who would not really ?

Sharing this super easy Spaghetti & Meatball recipe and signing off for tonight.

Keep cozy guys and gals. Cheers !

Things you will need ( Make a portion for 02 adults )

• 300 gm ground lamb meat

• 1 egg , beaten

• 02 tbsp cup bread crumbs

• 02 tbsp grated cheese ( Either parmesan or cheddar)

• 02 cloves garlic , finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 02 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 04 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 01 small onion, finely chopped

• 01 cup meat stock

• 04 large tomatoes - roughly pureed

• 10 leaves of fresh basil leaves

• Grated cheese - for serving

• 01 tsp Mixed herbs

Steps to follow :

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.

• Place a large pot of water on to boil for spaghetti - When it boils, add salt and pasta and cook till al dente.

• In a large bowl , mix the ground meat , egg , bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Roll meat into 1 inch medium-sized meatballs and place on nonstick pan greased with extra-virgin olive oil. Bake the balls in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until no longer pink.

• Next , heat a deep skillet - add oil, crushed pepper, garlic and finely chopped onion to it. Saute everything for 5 to 7 minutes, until onion bits are soft.

• At this pint , add the meat stock, crushed tomatoes and herbs.

• Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until thick.

• Toss in the hot , drained pasta into the sauce along with the meat balls and some more grated cheese.

• Serve hot topped with some more basil , olive oil and grated cheese.