There's nothing quite like a traditional Italian Sunday dinner. It's a time where family and friends gather around the table to enjoy delicious food, share stories, and create memories. And at the center of it all is the star of the show - Sunday gravy. This rich and hearty tomato-based sauce has been a staple in Italian-American households for generations. Passed down from nonnas and mamas, each family has their own unique spin on this classic recipe. But no matter the variation, one thing remains the same - the love and tradition that goes into making it.
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Lukewarm Water, Active Yeast, Kosher Salt
Beer can chicken is a classic and delicious way to cook a whole chicken on the grill. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and the subtle taste of beer creates a mouth-watering dish that will impress any crowd. Here are 20 different recipes to take your beer can chicken game to the next level.
Let's start with the classic beer can chicken recipe. This simple and easy recipe only requires a few ingredients, but the end result is a tender and flavorful chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds. All you need is a whole chicken, your favorite beer, and some seasoning.
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Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Egg, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Bread Flour
Add a little kick to your beer can chicken by mixing in some honey and hot sauce. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors will take your taste buds on a journey. This recipe also uses a dry rub to add even more depth of flavor to the chicken.
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Dad’s Secret BBQ Rib Sauce
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Apple Juice
For a unique twist on the classic, try this recipe that uses a can of soda instead of beer. The soda adds a subtle sweetness to the chicken, and the recipe also includes a homemade BBQ sauce to top it off.
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Traditional Italian Meatballs with Sunday Gravy
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Whole Peeled
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with the addition of fresh lemon and herbs. The citrusy flavors add a bright and refreshing taste to the chicken, while the herbs infuse it with delicious aromas.
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Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Main Ingredients: Popped Popcorn, Butter, Mini Marshmallows, Vanilla
If you're a fan of Southern cuisine, this recipe is for you. It uses a mixture of Cajun spices and butter to create a delicious and flavorful chicken. And of course, it wouldn't be a true Southern dish without a can of your favorite beer.
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Patriotic Surprise Firework Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Vanilla Frosting, America, Candy Melts
Add a little Mexican flair to your beer can chicken with this recipe that incorporates traditional Mexican flavors like chili powder, cumin, and cilantro. Serve it with some homemade salsa and guacamole for a complete meal.
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Cake, America, Gluten, Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
This recipe puts a Mediterranean spin on the classic beer can chicken by using a Greek yogurt marinade infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with a Greek salad.
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White Chocolate Lemon Skittles Fudge
Main Ingredients: Chips, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Lemon Extract, America
Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this recipe that uses a mixture of spices and rum to create a mouth-watering chicken. The rum adds a bit of sweetness to the chicken, while the spices give it a delicious kick.
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The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients: America, Bean, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Unsalted
For a unique and flavorful twist on beer can chicken, try this recipe that incorporates Korean flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. The result is a delicious and tender chicken that pairs well with some rice and kimchi.
This recipe takes inspiration from Moroccan cuisine with a flavorful blend of spices and a hint of sweetness from honey. The chicken is also topped off with a homemade pomegranate glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients: America, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Unsalted
For a refreshing and zesty take on beer can chicken, try this recipe that uses Thai flavors like lemongrass, lime, and cilantro. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with some rice and vegetables.
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Chocolate Chip Scones
Main Ingredients: America, Gluten, Large Eggs, Plain Yogurt, Vegetable
Take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with this Hawaiian-inspired beer can chicken recipe. It uses a marinade of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, and is topped off with a homemade teriyaki glaze for a deliciously sweet and savory combination.
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Red White and Blue Cake Bars
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Extra Large Eggs, Oil, Food Color
This recipe takes inspiration from French cuisine with a delicious mixture of herbs and Dijon mustard. The chicken is also topped off with a homemade honey mustard sauce for a tangy and flavorful dish.
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Boozy Pumpkin Eggnog Pie
Main Ingredients: Pie Shell, America, Ice Water, Sour Cream, All Purpose
For a hearty and comforting beer can chicken, try this German-inspired recipe that uses a marinade of dark beer, mustard, and herbs. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with some roasted potatoes.
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Iced Raspberry Muffins
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
For a unique and flavorful twist on beer can chicken, try this Japanese-inspired recipe that uses a miso and sake marinade. The result is a juicy and tender chicken with a delicious umami flavor.
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Chocolate Pots de Crème
Main Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate, Large Egg Yolks, Sugar, Table
This recipe takes inspiration from Spanish cuisine with a flavorful blend of spices and a hint of sweetness from sherry. The chicken is also topped off with a homemade lemon and garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
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Amaretto-Matcha Christmas Surprise Cake
Main Ingredients: Pound Cake Mix, America, Amaretto, Unsalted Butter
Take your taste buds to Brazil with this recipe that uses a marinade of lime, garlic, and cumin to create a delicious and flavorful chicken. Serve it with some black beans and rice for a complete meal.
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Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Main Ingredients: America, Crushed Pineapple, Philadelphia, Cream Cheese
For a taste of the Caribbean, try this Jamaican-inspired beer can chicken recipe. It uses a marinade of jerk seasoning and a homemade mango salsa to create a spicy and sweet combination that will have you coming back for more.
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American Summer No-bake Cheesecake Cups
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Wafer Cookies, Cream Cheese, Heavy Whipping
Last but not least, this beer can chicken recipe takes inspiration from our neighbors to the north with a delicious maple and whiskey glaze. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken with a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup.
Bringing a Taste of Italy to America
Sunday gravy, also known as "Sunday sauce" or "ragu," originated in Italy and was brought to America by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. It was a way for families to come together and enjoy a comforting meal after a long week of hard work. As Italian-Americans settled in different parts of the country, the recipe evolved to incorporate local ingredients and regional flavors. This led to the creation of many different versions of Sunday gravy, each with its own unique twist.
The Key Ingredients
While there are countless variations of Sunday gravy, there are a few key ingredients that are essential for its authentic flavor. Tomatoes, whether fresh or canned, are the base of the sauce and give it its rich and tangy taste. Meat is also a crucial component, with most recipes calling for a combination of pork, beef, and/or sausage. The meat is usually cooked in the sauce for hours, giving it a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Other ingredients such as garlic, onions, wine, and herbs are added to enhance the flavor and create a depth of taste that is unmatched.
The Secret Ingredient: Love
While the ingredients may vary from household to household, the most important ingredient in Sunday gravy is love. This sauce is not something that can be rushed or made in a hurry. It requires time, patience, and a whole lot of love. Many families have their own special rituals or traditions when it comes to making Sunday gravy, such as stirring the sauce clockwise for good luck or adding a pinch of sugar for sweetness. These small gestures may seem insignificant, but they add an extra layer of love and tradition to the sauce.
In Conclusion
Sunday gravy is more than just a recipe - it's a symbol of family, tradition, and love. It's a way for Italian-Americans to connect with their roots and share a piece of their heritage with the next generation. So the next time you sit down to enjoy a bowl of Sunday gravy with your loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the history and tradition that goes into making this delicious and heartwarming dish. And if you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Buon appetito!
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