Nonnas Sunday Gravy a Slowcooked Italian Pasta Sauce
Nonna's Sunday Gravy: A Slow Cooked Italian Pasta Sauce
Ever fancied making a sauce that tastes like it's straight from Little Italy? Forget the jarred stuff. I'm talking about proper Nonna's Sunday Gravy , an Italian American tomato sauce simmered low and slow with meat and veg.
This rich italian pasta sauce is a game changer!
A Taste of Tradition
This isn't just any sauce; it's a slice of history. Originating from Italian American immigrant communities, nonna's sunday gravy recipe is a slow cooked masterpiece.
It's a medium difficulty recipe. Prep takes about 30 minutes. Simmering happens for 3- 4 hours. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.
Why You'll Love This Best Pasta Sauce Recipe
Honestly, the flavour alone is enough. But this sauce is also packed with goodness. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants. The slow cooking method concentrates those flavours.
It's the perfect dish for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Trust me, this authentic italian pasta sauce is special. It is more than some Sauces For Spaghetti .
Gathering Your Homemade Pasta Recipe Sauce Ingredients
Right, let's get those ingredients together. For the base, you'll need: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 chopped onion, 4 minced cloves of garlic, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks.
Grab a 28-ounce tin of crushed tomatoes. Also, get a 15-ounce tin of tomato sauce and a 6-ounce tin of tomato paste.
Don't forget 1 cup of dry red wine and 1 cup of beef broth. For spices, you'll need 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional), and 1 bay leaf.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can use this for an amazing Homemade Pasta And Sauce Recipe .
Meat Matters: Adding Depth to Your Easy Sauce Recipes Pasta
Now, for the best part: the meat! You can choose one, or combine them. I recommend 1 pound of Italian sausage (sweet or hot).
Beef short ribs or pork shoulder are also excellent choices. Meatballs can be added during the last 30 minutes. Choosing to make an Italian American Sauce will require an ingredient hunt, but the effort is worth it!
Don't Forget Your Tools
Before you start, make sure you have a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot, a large spoon, a cutting board, a chef's knife, and a garlic press.
Are you ready to make some Homemade Pasta With Sauce ?
Alright, let's talk ingredients and equipment for Nonna's Sunday Gravy , proper authentic italian pasta sauce . This isn’t just any homemade pasta recipe sauce , this is the real deal.
The kind of sauce that simmers for hours, filling your kitchen with aromas that'll make the neighbours jealous. Think best pasta sauce recipe ever.
The Building Blocks of Deliciousness
Right, lets dive into what you need for this absolute belter of a italian pasta sauce .
Main Ingredients
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality stuff is key here. It sets the flavour tone.
Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup). Go for yellow or white.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
Carrots: 2 , finely diced. Adds a touch of sweetness.
Celery: 2 stalks , finely diced. Don't skip this, it's important.
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794 g). The base of our italian pasta sauce . San Marzano if you can, honestly it makes a difference.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425 g). Smoothness is everything.
Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce) can (170 g). Concentrated flavour bomb.
Red Wine: 1 cup (240 ml). Something dry like Chianti.
Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml). Low sodium is preferable.
Dried Oregano: 1 tsp . Essential sauces for spaghetti .
Dried Basil: 1 tsp . Another essential sauces for spaghetti .
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick.
Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out later.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450 g), sweet or hot.
Beef Short Ribs: 1 pound (450 g). Adds richness.
Pork Shoulder: 1 pound (450 g), cut into 2 inch cubes.
Meatballs: Optional. Pre-made or homemade pasta and sauce recipe .
Seasoning is Key
This is where Nonna's Sunday Gravy Recipe gets its magic. A perfect sauces for spaghetti needs the perfect amount of seasoning
- Oregano and basil are non-negotiable. Trust me.
- A little red pepper flake gives a nice warmth.
- Don't be shy with the salt and pepper.
- For an extra boost, a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Honestly? A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds something special.
Gear Up! Essential Equipment
Right, let's see what you need to make this glorious sauces for spaghetti .
- A large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. Essential for slow cooking slow cooker pasta sauce .
- A large spoon. For stirring and tasting.
- Cutting board and chef's knife. Obvious, but important.
- Garlic press (optional). If you're fancy.
Don't worry if you don't have a Dutch oven. A large, heavy bottomed pot will do just fine. You could even adapt the easy sauce recipes pasta to a slow cooker.
Homemade pasta with sauce is always better when it simmers for ages.
And there you have it. All the tools you need for the italian american sauce magic to happen.
Nonna's Sunday Gravy: A Slow Cooked Italian Pasta Sauce
Alright, gather 'round, you lovely lot! Let's talk about Nonna's Sunday Gravy. This isn't that watery, mass produced stuff. This is proper Italian pasta sauce , the kind that makes you wanna smack your lips and ask for seconds.
I'm talkin' proper comfort food. It's a rich, slow cooked Italian American sauce , brimming with flavour. It’s savoury and slightly sweet.
Perfect for any pasta. We're gonna make Nonna's Sunday Gravy Recipe !
Honestly, this sauce for spaghetti will become your go-to.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, mise en place , yeah? Chop your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Measure out your tomatoes, wine, and broth.
Getting everything ready before you start saves time. Safety first, though. Keep your fingers out of the way when chopping.
I once nearly took off a digit. Not fun!
step-by-step: Simmering to Perfection
Sear your sausage, short ribs, or pork shoulder in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Remove and set aside. This adds flavour, trust me.
Add olive oil to the pot. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft, about 8- 10 minutes .
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1- 2 minutes . This toasts the paste and deepens the flavour.
Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Return the seared meat to the pot.
Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 3 hours , or up to 4 hours . Stir occasionally.
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add meatballs (if using) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Shred the meat with a fork before serving. Serve over your favourite pasta.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Gravy
Don't rush the simmer. The slow cooking is crucial. Use quality ingredients for the best pasta sauce recipe . Season as you go.
It really makes the authentic Italian pasta sauce shine. Also, let it rest, if you can. Make the sauce a day ahead of time.
The flavours will mingle even more overnight. You'll have the Best Pasta Sauce Recipe ever! Seriously! This can be a homemade pasta and sauce recipe or paired with store-bought.
Even a slow cooker pasta sauce will work.
There you have it, a homemade pasta recipe sauce that'll have everyone asking for more. It's a bit like Nonna's Sunday Gravy , a hug in a bowl.
Enjoy this easy sauce recipes pasta . And, honestly, you'll be so proud of your homemade pasta with sauce . Now, go on, get cooking!
Recipe Notes: Getting the Most Out of Nonna's Sunday Gravy
Right, so you're ready to make some proper Nonna's Sunday Gravy . Great! But before you crack on, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure it's absolutely banging.
It's more than just an italian pasta sauce ; it's an experience, innit?
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Honestly, presentation matters. None of this slop-it-on-a-plate business. For a fancy touch, twirl your spaghetti into a neat pile. Then, ladle on a generous spoonful of sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh basil and a good grating of proper Parmesan.
And listen, this sauce begs for company. Think crusty bread for mopping up every last bit. A simple green salad cuts through the richness.
As for drinks? A glass of red wine ideally the same you used in the homemade pasta recipe sauce is spot on.
Storage Tips: Making It Last
This best pasta sauce recipe is even better the next day. It is like a proper Nonna's Sunday Gravy Recipe .
Let the sauce cool completely before popping it in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I swear its one of the sauces for spaghetti .
Fancy stocking up? This slow cooker pasta sauce freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months.
When you're ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the hob, stirring now and then. Do not use the microwave for reheating; it won't have the same love as the homemade pasta with sauce if you microwave it, innit.
Variations: Making It Your Own
Feeling adventurous? You can mix it up a bit. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and throw in some mushrooms and courgettes.
Want a bit of a kick? Add extra red pepper flakes. Some say this recipe makes a really Authentic Italian Pasta Sauce
Want a rich, creamy Italian American sauce ? Stir in a dollop of ricotta at the end. Or even try mascarpone.
For seasonal swaps: Use fresh tomatoes in summer. Oh my gosh! , they're so much sweeter! I bet you'll get the easy sauce recipes pasta with this recipe!
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Look, I'm not a nutritionist. But here's the lowdown. This homemade pasta and sauce recipe has calories (around 450-600 per serving).
There's protein, from the meat, and carbs, from the tomatoes. It's got fibre, which is good for you. And yes, there's some sugar (mostly natural from the tomatoes).
The protein helps you build your muscles. The fiber keeps your gut happy. All it needs is your love.
Right, go on then! Get cooking! Don't be afraid to experiment a bit. This recipe is a starting point, not a set of rules.
Have fun, enjoy the process, and make some magic happen in the kitchen. I think you've nailed this Nonnas Sunday Gravy !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this italian pasta sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, mate! In fact, this Italian pasta sauce is even better the next day. The flavours have a chance to meld together, creating a richer, deeper taste. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently when you're ready to serve. It's like a fine wine, it gets better with age (sort of)!
What kind of meat works best in this "Nonna's Sunday Gravy?"
That's the beauty of it you have options! Italian sausage (sweet or hot), beef short ribs, or pork shoulder are all cracking choices. You can even use a combination of meats. The meat slowly braises in the sauce, adding incredible flavour and tenderness. If you're feeling fancy, throw in some meatballs too!
I don't have red wine. What can I substitute in this italian pasta sauce recipe?
No worries, happens to the best of us! If you're out of red wine, you can use more beef broth to maintain the liquid level. Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a similar depth of flavour, but go easy on it you don't want it too vinegary!
A little bit of grape juice can also work, but again, use it sparingly.
Can I freeze this Italian pasta sauce?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! This sauce freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Is there a vegetarian version of this italian pasta sauce?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and load up on the veggies. Mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini are all fantastic additions that will add a lovely depth of flavour. You can also add a can of lentils or chickpeas for some extra protein and heartiness. It'll be a vegetarian feast fit for a king (or queen)!
What's the best pasta to serve with this sauce?
While the choice is yours, this rich and hearty sauce pairs particularly well with larger, sturdier pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or pappardelle. The ridges and tubes of these shapes help to capture all that delicious sauce. Of course, classic spaghetti or linguine works a treat too.
Serve it with your favourite, innit?
Nonnas Sunday Gravy A Slowcooked Italian Pasta S
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-600 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-35g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
