Sure thing! Sunday Sauce, also known as Italian Sunday Gravy, is a hearty, slow-cooked tomato sauce traditionally served with pasta or meatballs on Sundays in many Italian-American households. Here’s a classic recipe for Sunday Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for finishing)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for finishing)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and red wine (if using), stirring to combine.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings into the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid, leaving a small opening for steam to escape.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer you cook it, the richer the flavors will become.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out.
- Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Serve the Sunday Sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a topping for meatballs, sausage, or other dishes.
Enjoy your comforting and delicious Sunday Sauce!
