Everyday Meatballs

Name: Everyday Meatballs
Cuisine: European, Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground meat (I use a mix of beef and pork); 2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs or 1/2 cup panko; 1/3 cup milk or water; 2 tablespoon finely chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional); 2 teaspoons coarse or kosher salt, divided; Pinches of red pepper flakes or few grinds of black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 2 large eggs; 2 garlic cloves, minced, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 28-ounce can of tomato puree or crushed tomatoes