Nirvana Italian Gravy Recipe Analysis and Insights
Recipe Overview:
Nirvana Italian Gravy, a cherished annual tradition for UnknownChef86 since 2006, is a rich and hearty pasta sauce meant to be prepared in bulk and stored for future use. It boasts a lengthy cooking time of 6 hours, including 5 hours of simmering, yielding approximately 18 pints of sauce. This sauce is designed to be versatile, pairing excellently with any type of pasta.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per Serving: 567.8
- Fat: 34.7g
- Saturated Fat: 10.3g
- Cholesterol: 71.7mg
- Sodium: 1510.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 38.3g
- Fiber: 7.4g
- Sugar: 22.2g
- Protein: 25g
Key Ingredients:
This recipe combines a variety of meats and seasonings to achieve its robust flavor profile:
- Meats: Short ribs, oxtails, country-style spare ribs, beef neck bones, sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, pork sausage, and ground beef.
- Vegetables and Aromatics: Onions, Italian parsley, garlic, shallots, jalapeno peppers.
- Mushrooms: Cremini, button, and portabella mushrooms.
- Sauces and Pastes: Pesto sauce, tomato puree, tomato sauce, tomato paste.
- Seasonings: Allspice berries, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion.
- Liquid Ingredients: Red wine, cream sherry, water.
Cooking Instructions:
- Initial Preparation: Begin by browning the various meats with seasonings in olive oil, then set them aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook onions, parsley, garlic, shallots, and jalapenos in olive oil until softened.
- Combine and Simmer: Return all meats to the pot, add red wine, mushrooms, tomato products, and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 4 to 5 hours until meats are tender.
- Final Steps: Remove whole meats, add fresh basil, garlic, and cream sherry to complete the sauce. Serve over pasta or freeze in containers once cooled.
Recipe Tips and Notes:
- Freezing: Divide the cooled gravy into pint containers for convenient storage.
- Meat Preparation: Ensure all meats are thoroughly browned before simmering to enhance flavor.
- Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt, sugar, and garlic to taste throughout the cooking process.
- Stirring: Regularly stir the sauce while simmering to prevent sticking.
Conclusion:
Nirvana Italian Gravy is not just a recipe but a labor of love and tradition for UnknownChef86. With its complex flavors and hearty texture, it promises to elevate any pasta dish. Whether enjoyed freshly made or from the freezer, this sauce embodies the essence of Italian comfort cuisine, perfect for family gatherings or quiet weeknight dinners.
