Directions

1. Drain the pickled peppers, and finely dice. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and use your hands to combine. Form into 12 meatballs (2 per sandwich) using an ice cream scoop or just your hands. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate until ready to bake them. Begin the sauce (see below).
2. When ready, bake the meatballs at 400 degrees for 17-19 minutes.
3. In a heavy duty pot, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and pork and cook until pork is cooked through. Season with about 1/2 tsp salt and about 1/8 tsp ground black pepper. Add garlic and tomato paste, stir and cook for about a minute. Add crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Check for seasonings and it will most likely need more salt, so add a little at a time until it is just right. Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
4. Butter the buns and place under the broiler until golden. Place a few tablespoons of sauce on each side of each bun. Smash two meatballs and place on one side of the bun. Top the meatballs with a slice of mozzarella. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. If any bread is exposed, it will get very dark, so make sure there is enough sauce covering all of the bread. Close each sandwich and you're ready to serve.
5. These taste delicious with a fresh green salad on the side.