15 Classic Italian Sunday Gravy Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Sunday gravy, also known as "Sunday sauce" or "ragù," is a beloved staple of Italian-American cuisine. This rich and hearty sauce is traditionally served on Sundays, when families gather for a big meal and spend quality time together. It's a labor of love, simmering for hours on the stovetop and filling the house with delicious aromas. The secret to this classic Italian Sunday gravy recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to make this mouthwatering sauce and explore its origins and variations.
If you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal that will transport you straight to Italy, look no further than Italian Sunday Gravy. This classic dish is a staple in many Italian households and is sure to become a favorite in yours as well. Made with a rich tomato sauce and tender, slow-cooked meat, this dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner with family and friends. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make!
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Traditional Italian Meatballs with Sunday Gravy
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Whole Peeled
No Italian Sunday Gravy would be complete without a big bowl of traditional Italian meatballs. These delicious meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a variety of herbs and spices. They are then simmered in the rich tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve them over a bed of al dente spaghetti for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Italian Meatballs with Sunday Gravy
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Whole Peeled
If you're looking for a slightly different twist on the classic Italian meatball, try adding some chopped parsley and garlic to the mixture, or even some chopped olives for a briny kick. You can also experiment with different types of meats, such as ground turkey or chicken, for a healthier alternative. No matter how you make them, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
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Sunday Gravy
Main Ingredients: Top Round Steak, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Sunday Gravy is a dish that has been passed down through generations of Italian families, and for good reason. It's a dish that not only tastes incredible, but also brings people together. It's a labor of love that requires a bit of time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. So put on some Italian music, pour yourself a glass of red wine, and get cooking.
If you're looking for a soup that's both hearty and light at the same time, look no further than Classic Italian Wedding Soup. Made with chicken broth, spinach, tiny pasta, and meatballs, this soup is perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling under the weather. It's also a great way to use up any leftover meatballs from your Sunday Gravy.
Speaking of meatballs, you can't go wrong with a classic recipe. This version uses a blend of ground beef and pork, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs and spices. They can be served as an appetizer, added to your Sunday Gravy, or even used to make a meatball sub. However you enjoy them, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
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Classic Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onions
No list of Italian dishes would be complete without mentioning Classic Lasagna. This dish is a labor of love, with layers of cheesy goodness and a rich meat sauce. It's perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving some comfort food. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
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Classic Bruschetta
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roma
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. This simple dish is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil, and is served on top of toasted bread. It's a great way to use up any leftover tomatoes you may have in your fridge and is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Minestrone soup is a staple in Italian cuisine and for good reason. It's hearty, flavorful, and packed with vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. This classic version uses a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, and zucchini, along with beans and pasta. It's perfect for a cold winter night or when you need a comforting meal.
No Italian meal would be complete without a side of crusty Italian bread. This classic bread is made with a simple dough that is left to rise before being baked to perfection. It's perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from your Sunday Gravy or for making sandwiches. And the best part? The smell of freshly baked bread will fill your home and get everyone's mouth watering.
Italian meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you serve them with pasta, on top of a pizza, or on a sandwich, you can't go wrong with these flavorful balls of meat. Try different variations, such as adding sundried tomatoes or using different types of meats, to find your favorite version.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you love big, hearty meatballs, then this is the recipe for you. These Great Big Italian Meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs and spices. They are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve them with your favorite pasta for a truly satisfying meal.
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Classic Italian Bread by Bread Illustrated
Main Ingredients: Bread, Rapid Rise Yeast, Salt, Lager, Water, Extra
If you're a fan of baking your own bread, then you have to try this recipe for Classic Italian Bread by Bread Illustrated. This version creates a crusty, chewy loaf of bread that is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or just enjoying on its own. And with step-by-step instructions and tips, even novice bakers can create this delicious bread.
No salad is complete without a delicious dressing, and this Classic Creamy Italian Salad Dressing is sure to become a staple in your home. Made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of herbs and spices, this dressing is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. Drizzle it over your favorite salad for a simple and delicious meal.
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Anthony Bourdain's Italian Sunday Gravy with Sausage
Main Ingredients: Spicy Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Garlic, Yellow
If you're a fan of the late Anthony Bourdain, then you have to try his recipe for Italian Sunday Gravy with Sausage. This version uses a combination of pork ribs, sausage, and meatballs, along with a rich tomato sauce, to create a flavorful and hearty dish that will have you coming back for seconds. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a truly indulgent meal.
The Sopranos may be known for their mafia connections, but they also know a thing or two about good Italian food. This recipe for Sopranos Sunday Gravy is a family favorite that has been passed down through generations. It's made with a variety of meats and simmered for hours to create a rich and flavorful sauce that is perfect for any pasta dish.
Don't let a missing apostrophe fool you, this is a different recipe for Soprano's Sunday Gravy that is just as delicious. This version uses a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with sausage and meatballs, to create a meaty and flavorful sauce that is perfect for any pasta dish. It's also a great way to use up any leftover meat from your Sunday Gravy.
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Sunday Gravy (Sinatra's FAV in Hoboken,baby!)
Main Ingredients: Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Water
It's no secret that Frank Sinatra loved his Italian food, and this recipe for Sunday Gravy was reportedly his favorite. Simmered for hours with a variety of meats, this sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfect for topping your favorite pasta. And with a little bit of red wine added in, you can't go wrong with this recipe.
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Classic Chicken Piccata
Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Lemon, Chicken Cutlets, Salt, Freshly
If you're in the mood for something other than pasta, give Classic Chicken Piccata a try. This dish features tender chicken breasts that are coated in flour and pan-fried until golden brown. They are then topped with a tangy and flavorful lemon caper sauce that will have your taste buds singing. Serve it with a side of risotto for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this Italian Crescent Casserole. It combines the flavors of Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a deliciously simple dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. And the best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights.
The Origins of Sunday Gravy
The Influence of Italian Immigrants
While Sunday gravy is now a popular dish among Italian-American families, its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States. These immigrants often lived in close-knit communities, and Sunday was the designated day for family gatherings and feasting. The hearty and flavorful sauce became a staple in these households, and its popularity spread over time.
The Simplicity of Ingredients
One of the defining features of classic Italian Sunday gravy is its use of minimal, yet high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is typically the meat - usually a combination of pork, beef, and/or sausage - which is slowly simmered in the sauce for hours, imparting its rich flavor. Other key ingredients include tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs such as basil and oregano. The sauce is typically made from scratch, with fresh, ripe tomatoes being preferred over canned varieties.
How to Make Classic Italian Sunday Gravy
Preparation
To make a delicious Sunday gravy, start by browning the meats in a large pot with a little bit of oil. Then, remove the meat and sauté diced onions and garlic until they are translucent. Next, add in the tomatoes and herbs, and return the meat to the pot. Let the sauce simmer for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Optional Variations
While the classic recipe calls for a combination of pork, beef, and sausage, there are several variations that you can try. For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork and beef. You can also add in vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
In Conclusion
Classic Italian Sunday gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet flavorful ingredients and slow cooking process make it a perfect dish for family gatherings and special occasions. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this traditional Italian-American feast. Buon appetito!