The recipe you’ve provided is for a classic Italian Spaghetti Sauce passed down through generations, carrying with it the rich tradition of Italian home cooking. Here’s a detailed exploration of the recipe and its culinary heritage:
Recipe Name: Real Italian Spaghetti Sauce
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Description: This recipe, cherished within the family, originates from the Italian roots of the author’s mother, passed down through generations. It promises an authentic taste of Italy, perfect for a comforting meal.
Recipe Category: Sauces
Keywords: Vegetable, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb pork, ground (or substitute with preferred meat)
- 1 can (28 oz) tomato puree
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Nutritional Information (per serving, if available):
- Calories: 529.5
- Total Fat: 29.2g
- Saturated Fat: 8.4g
- Cholesterol: 69.5mg
- Sodium: 3010.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 9.9g
- Sugars: 25.1g
- Protein: 25.3g
Recipe Yield: 3-4 quarts
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 2
Recipe Instructions:
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they just begin to brown.
- Add ground pork (or preferred meat), cooking until browned on all sides.
- Stir in tomato puree and crushed tomatoes, mixing well.
- Season with salt, black pepper, parsley, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder, adjusting amounts to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cooking Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. The flavors often deepen and improve with time.
Culinary Heritage:
This recipe reflects the essence of traditional Italian cooking, emphasizing simple yet flavorful ingredients cooked slowly to develop depth and richness. The combination of tomato puree and crushed tomatoes provides a robust base, while the addition of herbs and spices adds layers of aromatic complexity. The use of olive oil, garlic, and onion as foundational ingredients echoes the Mediterranean influence that defines authentic Italian cuisine.
Conclusion:
Cooking this Real Italian Spaghetti Sauce is not just about preparing a meal; it’s about connecting with culinary traditions that span generations. Whether enjoyed with spaghetti, other pasta shapes, or even as a flavorful pizza sauce, this recipe invites you to savor the essence of Italian home cooking, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
