Prosciutto Infused Italian Tomato Sauce

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!