Sausage Sauce (Sugo di Salsiccia) Recipe
This hearty and flavorful Sausage Sauce is a perfect addition to your pasta dishes or even as a base for savory casseroles. Made with fresh sausage, a rich tomato base, and aromatic vegetables, this sauce will elevate any meal. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy and delicious sauce that serves up to 4 people.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausage | 500g |
| Tomato Passata | 400g |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Yellow Onion | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Thyme | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by peeling and finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery. These vegetables will create the perfect aromatic base for your sauce. -
-
Prepare the Sausage:
Remove the casing from the sausage. This step allows the sausage to break down into crumbles, blending perfectly into the sauce. Set the sausage aside for the next step. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, and celery) and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should soften and develop a light golden color. -
Add the Sausage:
Once the vegetables are ready, add the sausage to the pan. Using a spoon or spatula, break up the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks. Let the sausage brown evenly for a few minutes. Stir regularly to ensure it cooks through. -
Add the Tomato Passata:
Once the sausage is browned and fully cooked, pour in the tomato passata. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. -
Season the Sauce:
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to cook at a low simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. The flavors will deepen as the sauce cooks, and the consistency will thicken. -
Finish with Thyme:
Once the sauce has cooked for 45 minutes, remove it from the heat. Add fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme if that’s what you have on hand) to infuse the sauce with an aromatic finish. Give everything one last stir, and your Sausage Sauce is ready to serve. -
Serve and Enjoy:
This sausage sauce can be served immediately with your favorite pasta, or you can let it cool and store it for later use. It’s perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or even as a topping for a hearty pizza.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, try substituting the sausage with plant-based sausage or lentils for a similar texture and flavor.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is traditional, you can also experiment with oregano, basil, or rosemary for a different twist on flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili flakes to the oil while sautéing the vegetables for an extra heat boost.
This Sausage Sauce is a versatile, flavorful addition to your meal plan and can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. Whether it’s paired with pasta, used in lasagna, or simply spooned over crusty bread, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
