Italian Red Sauce Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
🥘 Yield: Makes a large batch
🍽️ Servings: Variable
Description:
This Italian red sauce, also known as red gravy or spaghetti sauce, is a versatile staple that freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for batch cooking. The secret to its exceptional flavor lies in the addition of Italian ham, which adds a unique depth and richness. Unlike sauces made with acidic tomatoes, this recipe utilizes imported tomatoes for a smoother, less tangy taste. Perfect for any occasion, this sauce is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 5 cans (28 ounces each) Cento Italian tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices prosciutto ham, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place a generous amount of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. |
| 2 | Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about one minute, being careful not to let it brown. |
| 3 | In a blender, briefly blend the canned tomatoes until smooth. |
| 4 | Pour the blended tomatoes into the pot with the garlic. |
| 5 | Cut the prosciutto ham into chunks. If purchasing from the deli, request a 1/2 lb slab and chop accordingly. |
| 6 | Add the chopped ham, torn basil leaves, and red pepper flakes to the pot. |
| 7 | Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for approximately 6 hours, stirring occasionally. |
| 8 | To check the richness of the sauce, spoon a small amount into a clean bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes. If water separates from the sauce, continue to simmer until desired consistency is reached. |
| 9 | Once the sauce has reached the desired richness, remove from heat and let cool before transferring to storage containers. |
| 10 | Enjoy immediately with your favorite pasta, or allow to cool completely before freezing for future use. |
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sauté onions and carrots along with the garlic at the beginning of the cooking process.
- This sauce pairs well with a variety of meats, including pork, poultry, and beef.
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- When freezing, portion the sauce into smaller containers for easy thawing and use.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 5.7 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 0.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 0.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.1g
- Sugar Content: 0g
- Protein Content: 0.1g
Keywords:
Pork, Poultry, Meat, European, Spring, Winter, Weeknight, For Large Groups
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe yields a large batch of sauce, making it ideal for freezing and storing for future use.
- The addition of prosciutto ham lends a distinct flavor to the sauce, while the fresh basil and red pepper flakes add depth and spice.
- Be sure to periodically check the sauce as it simmers to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Share with friends and family, as this sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
