16 Italian Sunday Gravy Sauce Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Italian Sunday gravy sauce, also known as Sunday ragu or sugo, is a rich and flavorful tomato sauce that is traditionally served over pasta on Sundays in many Italian-American households. This sauce has been passed down for generations and is a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals. While it may seem daunting to make, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily recreate this beloved sauce in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Ripe Tomatoes, Red Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks
Pomarola is a classic Italian tomato sauce that is full of flavor and easy to make. It is commonly used in dishes such as pasta, pizza, and chicken parmesan. The key to a delicious Pomarola sauce is using fresh, ripe tomatoes and cooking it slowly to allow the flavors to develop.
Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù alla Bolognese, is a rich and meaty sauce that originated in Bologna, Italy. It is traditionally made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a splash of wine. This sauce is perfect for topping pasta or using in dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers.
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Italian Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Butter, Milk, Ground Nutmeg, White Pepper
Béchamel sauce, also known as white sauce, is a creamy and versatile sauce that is commonly used in Italian dishes such as lasagna and baked pasta. It is made by whisking together butter, flour, and milk, and can be flavored with herbs, cheese, or spices. Béchamel sauce adds a delicious richness to any dish it is used in.
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Alfredo Sauce
Main Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, Grated Parmesan Cheese
Alfredo sauce is a creamy and indulgent sauce that is popular in Italian-American cuisine. It is made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, and can be flavored with garlic, herbs, or even a splash of white wine. This sauce is perfect for topping pasta or using as a dip for bread or vegetables.
Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy and flavorful tomato sauce that originated in the Lazio region of Italy. It is made with tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, and can be used in dishes such as pasta, pizza, and even as a dipping sauce for bread. The name "arrabbiata" translates to "angry," referring to the spiciness of the sauce.
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Homemade Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil Leaves, Crushed
Marinara sauce is a simple and versatile tomato sauce that can be used in a variety of Italian dishes. It is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, and can be tailored to your taste preferences by adding in ingredients like olives, capers, or red pepper flakes. Making your own marinara sauce at home is a great way to add a personal touch to your meals.
Italian meatball sauce, also known as Sunday gravy, is a rich and hearty sauce that is typically served with meatballs, sausage, and other meats. It is made with a combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, and can be simmered for hours to develop deep flavors. This sauce is perfect for serving over pasta or using as a base for a meatball sub.
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Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Italian Parsley
This quick and easy Italian tomato sauce is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you're short on time. It is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, and can be ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a simple and delicious meal.
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Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic Cloves, Grated Parmesan
Basil pesto is a bright and flavorful sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy. It is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and can be used in a variety of dishes such as pasta, sandwiches, and even as a marinade for chicken or fish. This easy recipe can be made in just a few minutes and adds a burst of herbaceous flavor to any dish.
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Easy Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Carrot, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil
This easy marinara sauce is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. It is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs, and can be ready in just 20 minutes. This sauce is perfect for topping pasta, using as a dipping sauce for bread, or even as a base for pizza.
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Classic Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pancetta
This classic Bolognese sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is commonly used in dishes like lasagna and spaghetti Bolognese. It is made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a splash of wine. The key to a delicious Bolognese sauce is allowing it to simmer for a few hours to develop deep flavors.
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The Perfect Homemade Pizza Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter, Onions, Garlic Cloves
Pizza sauce is a crucial part of any homemade pizza, and this recipe is sure to impress. It is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor. This sauce is perfect for topping your favorite homemade pizza or using as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
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Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Crushed Tomatoes, Crushed Red
This classic marinara sauce is a staple in Italian cooking and is perfect for a variety of dishes. It is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs, and can be used in pasta dishes, as a dipping sauce, or even as a base for soups or stews. The key to a great marinara sauce is letting it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
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Homemade Pizza Sauce
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Tomato Paste
Making your own pizza sauce at home is easier than you may think. This recipe is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Use this sauce to top your favorite homemade pizza or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
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Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Crushed
This easy homemade spaghetti sauce is sure to become a family favorite. It is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs, and can be ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a simple and delicious meal.
This authentic Italian marinara sauce is packed with flavor and is perfect for a variety of dishes. It is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs, and can be used in pasta dishes, as a dipping sauce, or even as a base for soups or stews. The key to a delicious marinara sauce is using high-quality canned tomatoes and allowing it to simmer for at least 30 minutes.
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Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Red Wine
If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes on hand, this fresh tomato marinara sauce is a great way to use them up. It is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs, and can be ready in just 30 minutes. This sauce is perfect for topping pasta or using as a dipping sauce for bread.
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5-Minute Pizza Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Garlic Cloves, Dried
For those nights when you need dinner on the table in a hurry, this 5-minute pizza sauce is a lifesaver. It is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of sugar for balance. This sauce is perfect for topping homemade pizza or using as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
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White Wine Sauce
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Minced Garlic, Olive Oil, Butter, Crushed Red
This white wine sauce is a delicious and elegant addition to any Italian meal. It is made with white wine, garlic, butter, and herbs, and can be used in dishes such as pasta, chicken, or fish. The key to a great white wine sauce is using a good quality wine and allowing it to reduce and thicken before serving.
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Classic Italian Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Basil Leaves, Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
This classic Italian basil pesto sauce is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any dish. It is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and can be used in pasta dishes, sandwiches, and even as a marinade for chicken or fish. This sauce can be made in just a few minutes and is a great way to use up any extra herbs you may have on hand.
The Foundation of Flavor: Tomatoes and Meat
When it comes to making a delicious Italian Sunday gravy sauce, the quality of your ingredients is key. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for achieving a deep and rich flavor. Many recipes call for canned tomatoes, but using fresh ones will make all the difference. If you can't find fresh tomatoes, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes instead.
In addition to tomatoes, meat is another important component of this sauce. Traditionally, a combination of beef, pork, and sausage are used, but you can customize it to your liking. The key is to use meats with different textures and flavors to create a well-rounded sauce. Veal, lamb, and chicken can also be added for more variety.
The Importance of Slow Cooking
One of the secrets to a truly delicious Italian Sunday gravy sauce is slow cooking. This allows all the flavors to develop and meld together over time. It's not uncommon for this sauce to simmer for hours on the stove, filling the house with mouth-watering aromas.
Patience is key when making this sauce, as it can't be rushed. The long cooking time also allows the meats to become tender and fall off the bone, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the sauce.
Infusing Flavor with Herbs and Spices
While tomatoes and meat are the main components of Italian Sunday gravy sauce, it's the herbs and spices that bring it to life. The most common herbs used are basil, oregano, and parsley, but feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
To enhance the flavor even more, many recipes call for adding wine to the sauce. Red wine is typically used, but white wine can also be used for a lighter flavor. Be sure to use a good quality wine, as it will greatly impact the taste of the sauce.
Making it Your Own
As with any traditional recipe, there are countless variations of Italian Sunday gravy sauce, each with its own unique twist. Some recipes call for adding vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery for added depth of flavor. Others may add a touch of spicy red pepper flakes for some heat.
The beauty of this sauce is that you can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and adjusting the flavors to your liking. With time and practice, you'll find the perfect combination of ingredients that will make your Italian Sunday gravy sauce stand out among the rest.
In conclusion, Italian Sunday gravy sauce is a beloved and cherished tradition in many Italian-American families. With fresh ingredients, slow cooking, and the right combination of herbs and spices, you can easily recreate this flavorful sauce in your own kitchen. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Italian Sunday gravy sauce.
