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Authentic Italian Gravy

Authentic Italian Gravy for Heartwarming Family Dinners

Discover the magic of Authentic Italian Gravy, a deeply flavorful sauce perfect for cozy family dinners and meal prepping.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Red Wine Adds depth and richness; substitute with beef broth for non-alcoholic version.
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Enhances flavor and aids roasting; avoid substitutes.
  • 2 pounds Beef Short Ribs Provides a tender and flavorful base; omit for vegetarian option.
  • 1 large Onion Adds sweetness; can be swapped with shallots.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Use fresh minced garlic for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 28 ounces Whole Peeled Tomatoes Use canned varieties for best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Replace with vegetable broth for vegetarian recipes.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Basil Adjust quantity if using fresh alternatives.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano Adjust quantity if using fresh alternatives.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Italian Parsley Can be omitted.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Substitute with meatballs or omit for vegetarian.

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • stockpot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Authentic Italian Gravy
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large roasting pan, combine the red wine, extra virgin olive oil, beef short ribs, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well, then roast for about 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a stockpot over medium-low heat. Pour in any leftover red wine from the roasting pan and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the stockpot. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Simmer uncovered for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Gently remove the short ribs from the sauce. Optionally stir in cooked Italian sausage and simmer for an additional hour.
  5. Serve the sauce generously over your favorite pasta. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can add a lovely touch just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the sauce to simmer slowly for up to 6 hours to deepen the flavor. Double your recipe for future meals stored in portioned containers.

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