What is the nature of the farmer’s market, the organic and the all-natural? I believe that it’s simplicity. If I may venture down the cliché alley, in my opinion it’s the simple things that make our lives worth living. The undemanding and the effortless welcome us in an array of circumstances and unanticipated probabilities; an unexpected smile, the laughter of a loved one or may be just a lazy Sunday walk at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

Personally, the memories of my favorite meals are not set in bold Soho establishments, but are a part of treasured slide show filled with family dinners, friend’s apartments and my great aunt’s loving touch. Back in the day when organic was the norm, the farmers market was just a market and dinner conversation was not just a clever dialogue on ones favorite sitcom, meals were born and past down to our generation. I believe that we need simple recipes for simple markets with simple produce. The simple is the organic and the true. Today, I am going to introduce a simple recipe with ingredients that can be found at any market and prepared by any one.

Sauce

2 medium onions

1 green pepper

1 head of garlic

1/3 bunch of celery

2 yellow squash

2 zucchini squash

7 small tomatoes

Molasses

26.5oz Pomi strained tomatoes

Preheat a large pot with a little olive oil. Chop the onions, celery, eggplant, peeled green pepper, garlic, yellow squash and zucchini squash. Brown the vegetables over high heat. Add fresh tomatoes and continue to sauté. When the vegetables are ready and you’ll know when they are add 26.5oz carton of Pomi strained tomatoes and just as much water. Bring to a boil, add three tablespoons of molasses and reduce to simmer. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste. Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens to the desired consistency and add more water if necessary. If you are a vegetarian then your pasta sauce is ready and if you are an omnivore like myself add meatballs 10 minutes before the sauce is finished.

Meatballs

3 lbs ground pork

1½ lbs ground beef

1½ lbs ground lamb

1 cup parmesan cheese

1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs

1 extra large egg

1 onion

3 garlic cloves

½ cup of water

½ cup of chopped cilantro and parsley

Mix everything in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Shape the meatballs to your desired shape and size and place into an oiled aluminum pan. Preheat the over to 500º F and brown the meatballs. Add the meatballs to your sauce 10 minutes prior to completion.

Cooking does not have to be complicated and ingredients do not have to be expansive in order to prepare a delicious meal. All you need is the knowledge of a couple simple cooking techniques and the courage to use any ingredients that you think will work for you. And trust me, a couple of good friends and plenty of wine alongside your newly found love for the homemade is that one perfect and necessary garnish for any meal.