Instructions: To make meatballs: Saute onion and garlic in oil until they are translucent.

Stir in ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, mint, salt and pepper.

Form meat mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter (size of golf balls). Place meatballs on cookie sheets and bake for 20 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Turn them over and bake for another 20 minutes, or until they are brown.

To make sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil and saute onion, garlic and celery for 3-5 minutes. Add tomatoes, oregano, bay leaf, cinnamon, salt and pepper. (Do not overseason the sauce - it should be smooth and mild.) Cover sauce and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer while meatballs are baking.

When meatballs are done, remove them from oven and drain off any fat. Squeeze lemon juice over meatballs and let them sit for 15 minutes.

Remove bay leaf from sauce and add meatballs. Stir in margarine. Serve hot as either an appetizer or main dish.

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