Grandma's Sunday Gravy (Passata-Based Tomato Sauce)

My family's secret to the *best* Sunday Gravy? Passata! This rich tomato sauce simmers for hours, filling your home with comforting aromas. Get the recipe now!

Alright, y'all, let's dive into something seriously comforting. Ever wonder why Grandma's sauce always tasted like pure magic? Well, I'm about to spill the beans, or, uh, tomatoes!

Recipe Introduction: Grandma's Secret Weapon

Quick Hook

Honestly, have you ever had a better tomato sauce than your grandma's? This recipe, using passata as its star, captures that same old-school, slow-cooked deliciousness. It's a flavor hug in a bowl.

Brief Overview

This "gravy," as some italian-american families call it, has roots deep in tradition. it's easy to make, requiring about 3 hours total.

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings. perfect for a family pasta night, and it's even toddler-approved!

Main Benefits

Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. this passata sauce recipe is perfect for sunday dinner. what makes this recipe special? it's the slow simmer, building layers of rich flavor you just can't rush.

Making the Magic Happen

Now, let's talk about the goodies you'll need. This ain't rocket science, folks. It's all about simple ingredients treated with love.

Sauté Those Aromatics!

First, you'll grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then chop up 1 large yellow onion. Mince about 4 cloves of garlic. Cook until fragrant – that's the key!

The Heart of the Sauce: Passata

Now for the good stuff: 48 fluid ounces of passata . seriously, the homemade passata recipe is the game-changer. add also 8 fluid ounces of tomato paste.

The tomato passata makes it so easy! you know, using quality ingredients really elevates this dish.

Seasoning and Simmering

Don't forget 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil. i use the best oregano i can find, for a great taste.

Add 1/2 cup of dry red wine. this part makes all the difference. then, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer, simmer, simmer! you can also make italian pastas with this awesome sauce.

The Simmering Secret and Serving

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: toss in a well-cleaned parmesan rind while it simmers. it adds a depth of flavor that's just chef's kiss .

Trust me on this one. try to serve over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.

Honestly, this recipe is a testament to simple food done right. and it's even better with crusty bread! so, grab your ingredients, crank up some sinatra, and get ready to make some serious deliciousness.

You'll never want another passata sauce ! and hey, if you're feeling adventurous, try a sarma recipe or even a teriyaki salad the next day.

It's all about good food, good company, and good times, right? give my sarma recipe croatian a try! don't sleep on the teriyaki salad dressing !

Okay, here's a section of an article on my Grandma's Sunday Gravy, focusing on ingredients and equipment. I'm thinking of Sunday dinners past. Man, those were the days!

Grandma's Gravy: The Secret's in the Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk building blocks! this ain't just any tomato sauce. it's a vibe , you know? it all starts with great ingredients.

For a truly stellar homemade passata recipe , you gotta nail the foundation.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (US: 30 ml). Good quality extra virgin. It makes a difference. Trust me.
• Yellow onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup). No tears allowed!
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (about 1 tablespoon). Fresh is best, friends.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon . Adds that Italian oomph .
• Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon . Don’t skimp!
• Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick.
• Passata: 48 fluid ounces (US: 1400ml). This is key. Look for a smooth, rich Tomato Passata . The better the passata , the better the passata sauce recipe !
• Tomato paste: 8 fluid ounces (US: 235ml) (6 oz/170g can). Adds depth.
• Dry red wine: 1/2 cup (US: 120 ml). Chianti or Merlot work great.
• Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon . Balances the acid.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon , or to taste. Season generously.
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste. Freshly ground is the way to go.
• Parmesan rind: Optional, about 2-3 inches . Adds serious flavor. But be sure it's well-cleaned.

I swear, sometimes just the smell of those ingredients cooking takes me right back to Grandma's kitchen! You know what I mean?

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Right

Essential spice combinations are oregano and basil. they are the stars. red pepper flakes add a little zing. use them if you dig spice.

You can sub dried herbs for fresh. use 3 times the amount of fresh.

For flavor enhancers, the Parm rind is a secret weapon. Don’t skip it if you have it. Quick sub? A pinch of MSG will give you the same umami depth!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy stuff. Just the basics.

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Heavy-bottomed is key. Prevents burning.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring.

A big pot is essential. i remember when i tried to use a smaller one. sauce everywhere . learned my lesson the hard way.

Think of this as a passata sauce starter recipe – you can branch out later! this is even better than making a teriyaki salad dressing or teriyaki salad , this is pure tomato bliss, the perfect base for italian pastas .

And maybe next time we can try the sarma recipe or sarma recipe croatian !

Okay, let's dive into making some seriously good sunday gravy. this ain't your average tomato sauce; this is a flavor explosion! i can almost smell grandma's kitchen now.

It is the perfect starting point if you plan to make sarma recipe croatian .

Cooking Method: Low and Slow Simmering for Grandma's Gravy

This is all about taking your time, folks. seriously. low and slow is the only way to coax all that amazing flavor out of your ingredients.

I used to rush it, honestly. never again!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place (Get Your Stuff Together!)

First things first: chop that onion. mince the garlic. seriously get all your ingredients ready. this is called your "mise en place".

It helps you. i swear. grab that bottle of red wine. measure out the dried oregano, basil and red pepper flakes.

Get your tomato passata ready and next to the tomato paste. get everything ready and organized. this will save you from burning the garlic later (trust me!).

Safety first: don't cut yourself! always keep your fingers tucked.

Step-by-Step Process: Gravy Time!

Okay, here's the magic:

1. Sauté aromatics: heat olive oil in your big pot on medium heat. add the onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5- 7 minutes .

   Then, toss in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy) and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .

   Oh my gosh, be careful not to burn the garlic!

2. Add tomato paste: stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2- 3 minutes . keep stirring! you want to caramelize it.

   This adds a crazy-good depth to the flavor. it's a game-changer, honestly.

3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 1- 2 minutes , letting the alcohol evaporate.

4. Add passata and seasonings: pour in that lovely passata . add the sugar, salt, and pepper. stir it all together. at this stage you may want to experiment to create homemade passata recipe , this is where you may want to change and improve based on previous cooks.

5. Simmer: bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. if you're using a parmesan rind, add it now. reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours , stirring every so often.

   Longer is better!

6. Adjust seasoning and serve: take out the parmesan rind (if you used it). taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or sugar if it needs it.

   Serve over your favorite italian pastas !

Pro Tips: Grandma-Level Gravy Skills

• Don't skip the wine! It adds something special.
• Low and slow, remember? Don't rush it!
• Passata Perfection: Using a good quality passata sauce makes a world of difference. I recommend experimenting here. You can use it to create the base for Passata Sauce Recipe .
• Parmesan rind is magic! It adds umami.
• Make it ahead: This sauce is amazing the next day. Honestly, it lets the flavors meld.

So there you have it, my take on a truly amazing sunday gravy. give it a try and tell me what you think! use it as a starter to create a teriyaki salad dressing , or even a teriyaki salad , get creative.

Have fun with it!

Right then, let's talk about making the most of grandma's sunday gravy! you know, that passata based sauce that's like a warm hug in a bowl.

I've made this so many times, i practically dream about it! here are some recipe notes to help you become a gravy master.

Recipe Notes

Serving it Up Just Right

Okay, so plating. honestly, just piling it high on pasta is always a win. but, if you wanna get fancy, swirl the pasta in a bowl, top with the passata sauce , a sprinkle of parmesan, and a basil leaf.

Bam! restaurant vibes. as for sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness. and, trust me, a crusty baguette for soaking up every last drop is non-negotiable.

A glass of red? chef's kiss . thinking of making italian pastas , this is the right starting point.

Storage Sensations

Leftover gravy? hallelujah! let it cool completely before stashing it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll keep for about 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freezing is your friend. portion it out into freezer bags or containers. it’ll last for up to 3 months.

When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. pro tip: add a splash of water if it seems too thick.

Remixing Grandma's Magic

Want to mix things up? if you're going gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or serve the gravy over zucchini noodles. for a lighter version, skip the red wine and use vegetable broth instead.

You can even try a seasonal swap like adding roasted butternut squash in the fall. i’ve heard some folks also use this kind of sauce for the sarma recipe croatian they make every year.

I even imagine that using homemade passata recipe instead of storebought stuff would skyrocket the flavour! and for a little extra oomph? i sometimes like a dash of teriyaki salad dressing .

A teriyaki salad with this sauce? oh my gosh!

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's keep it real. this gravy isn't exactly health food. it's got calories, carbs, and sodium. but! it's also packed with flavor and can be part of a balanced diet.

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. and, hey, it's homemade! so, you know exactly what's going in it.

You can look up the passata sauce recipe online for other nutritional information too. keep in mind that simmering the tomato passata for longer helps to release more lycopene!

So, there you have it! some simple tips to make this passata sauce recipe even better. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Now go forth and make some amazing gravy! i can just taste it now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is passata, and how is it different from regular tomato sauce?

Passata is essentially strained, uncooked tomatoes. It's smoother and has a fresher, brighter tomato flavour than pre-made tomato sauce, which often contains added herbs and seasonings. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary masterpiece; you get to control all the flavours! It's like the difference between a great cup of tea and that weird instant stuff your Aunt Mildred makes.

Can I use canned crushed tomatoes instead of passata in this recipe? Will it taste the same?

While you can substitute crushed tomatoes, the texture and flavour will be a bit different. Crushed tomatoes are chunkier and often have a slightly more acidic taste. If you do use them, you might want to blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender towards the end of the cooking time to achieve a smoother consistency, more like passata. Think of it as turning a rock 'n' roll song into a smooth jazz number – similar, but not quite the same vibe!

My passata-based gravy tastes a little bitter. What can I do to fix it?

Bitterness in tomato sauce often comes from acidity. The sugar in the recipe helps to balance this, so try adding a pinch more. Another trick is to add a small knob of butter (about a tablespoon) during the last 30 minutes of cooking; the fats help mellow the acidity. And of course, make sure you haven't burnt your garlic as burned garlic is another cause for a bitter flavour. It's like adding a bit of Mary Poppins' "spoonful of sugar" to make the medicine go down – a little sweetness goes a long way!

How long does this passata-based tomato gravy keep, and what's the best way to store it?

Properly stored, Grandma's Sunday Gravy will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the sauce completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It's the perfect "batch cook" solution, ideal for busy weeknights and sudden spaghetti cravings – a bit like having a secret weapon in your culinary arsenal.

Can I add meat to this passata sauce? If so, when and what kind of meat works best?

Absolutely! Adding meat transforms this into a hearty meat sauce. Brown your choice of ground beef, Italian sausage (removed from its casings), or even chunks of beef chuck before you sauté the onions and garlic. Drain off any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe. You can also add meatballs (cooked or uncooked) about an hour before the sauce is finished simmering. A meat sauce is very versatile. It’s like turning a VW Beetle into a monster truck!

Is this recipe healthy? What are some ways to make it even healthier?

This recipe contains lots of good stuff like antioxidants from the tomatoes! For a healthier version, use olive oil sparingly, load up on the fresh herbs (basil, oregano etc) and add some extra vegetables like shredded carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms (they'll cook down and become almost undetectable to fussy eaters!). Serving over whole-wheat pasta is another easy way to boost the fiber content. It's like giving your classic comfort food a superhero makeover – same great taste, with a bonus dose of vitamins!

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