Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs

Ingredients

• 2 pounds American lamb, ground
• 1 cup raisins, chopped
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces, chopped
• 1 teaspoon
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup mint leaf, chopped
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced, about 1 1/2 cups
• 1 bay leaf, fresh or dry
• 1 sprig fresh oregano, or 1/2 teaspoon dry
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 [28 ounce] cans canned tomatoes, chopped, preferably San Marzano