Feb 6, 20231 min read

JON'S Sunday Gravy Ingredients

The ingredients for this Italian gravy recipe are simple and available in all grocery stores:

Olive oil
onion, 1 stalk of celery, 1 large carrot
Beef stew meat – or a small steak. Italian sausage – Spicy or mild, I use cut-up pepperoni as I do not like sausage
Garlic cloves
Tomato paste – helps to thicken your sauce and add a rich flavor.
Crushed tomatoes – or whole tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes are best).
Basil
Salt and Pepper
Sugar – this goes in at the end. Add more or less based on how sweet your tomatoes
Cinnamon, Italian spices mix

How to make Sunday Gravy

Heat oil in a large heavy pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the meats in the hot oil and set aside on a plate. Drain all but 2 TBSP of fat from the pot.
Add the garlic and cook in the fat from the meat until golden.
Discard the cloves – their flavor will remain in the pot to flavor the sauce.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes to the pot, along with water, salt + pepper. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
Return the meats to the pot and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Partially cover the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for at least 2 hours. The long cooking time is what gives that amazing flavor.
In the end, add sugar, to reduce acid
add cinnamon 1 tsp of, add 1 tbl
Add fresh basil leaves and serve over your favorite pasta, topped with shaved Parmesan