Authentic Italian Gravy
This Authentic Italian Gravy is a true delight for any Italian food lover. Slow-simmered to perfection, it creates a rich and savory sauce that enhances all your favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving it over pasta for a family dinner or using it to elevate a special occasion meal, this homemade gravy stands out with its robust flavors and comforting aroma. It’s the kind of dish that warms the heart and brings people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, tomatoes, and herbs creates a deep, satisfying taste.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal effort, you can achieve a gourmet sauce that simmers while you go about your day.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for pasta, meatballs, or as a base for other Italian dishes.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for Sunday dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty sauce.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making the gravy, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stockpot
- Roasting pan
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Stockpot: A large stockpot helps in simmering the sauce evenly for hours without overflow.
- Roasting Pan: This pan is perfect for browning the meat before adding it to the sauce, enhancing flavor.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware and mixing ingredients well.
Ingredients
This Authentic Italian Gravy is simmered all day to yield a rich and delicious sauce. It’s perfect for any Italian dish!
Meat & Broth
- 1 cup red wine (plus 1/4 cup)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 beef short ribs
- 1 pound Italian sausage (cooked and drained)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Tomatoes & Seasoning
- 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 28-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Authentic Italian Gravy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 1 cup red wine, olive oil, beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a roasting pan. Stir everything to coat the meat well.
Step 2: Roast the Meat
Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until browned and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart stockpot over medium-low heat. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of red wine. Simmer this mixture for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Herbs
Add in the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and chopped parsley. Stir everything well. Allow it to simmer uncovered while stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces; this should take about 4 to 6 hours.
Step 5: Combine Sausage
Once reduced, remove beef short ribs from the sauce. Stir in cooked and drained sausage. Continue simmering for an additional hour.
Step 6: Serve
Serve this delectable gravy over freshly cooked pasta for an authentic Italian experience!
How to Serve Authentic Italian Gravy
Serving Authentic Italian Gravy can elevate any meal, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions. Here are some delightful suggestions on how to enjoy this rich sauce.
Over Pasta
- Spaghetti: Traditional and classic, spaghetti is a perfect vehicle for the thick gravy.
- Penne: The tube shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Fettuccine: This flat noodle adds a luxurious texture to the experience.
With Meatballs
- Homemade Meatballs: Pair the gravy with juicy, homemade meatballs for an Italian feast.
- Meatball Subs: Serve in crusty bread for a hearty sandwich option that’s easy to eat.
On Polenta
- Creamy Polenta: This soft base complements the richness of the gravy wonderfully.
- Fried Polenta Cakes: For a crispy texture, serve the gravy over fried polenta cakes.
As a Dip
- Breadsticks: Use the rich gravy as a dip for warm, fluffy breadsticks.
- Garlic Bread: A perfect pairing—dip your garlic bread into the savory sauce for added flavor.
How to Perfect Authentic Italian Gravy
Creating the perfect Authentic Italian Gravy takes time and attention. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your sauce-making skills.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes and high-quality meat for depth of flavor.
- Simmer Slowly: Allowing time for simmering helps develop a richer taste in the gravy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste throughout cooking; add salt or herbs as needed for balance.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley elevate the sauce’s aroma and flavor profile.
- Incorporate Umami: Add mushrooms or Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savoriness.
Best Side Dishes for Authentic Italian Gravy
Pairing side dishes with your Authentic Italian Gravy can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for soaking up extra gravy.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing balances out the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to rich gravy.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto provides a luxurious side that pairs beautifully with meat sauces.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives offers variety and flavor before the main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Authentic Italian Gravy, there are a few common missteps that can affect the flavor and texture of your sauce. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Skipping the simmering: Failing to let the gravy simmer for long enough can lead to a bland flavor. Allow it to cook for several hours to develop depth.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: Not choosing high-quality canned tomatoes can compromise taste. Always opt for whole peeled tomatoes for the best results.
- Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the cooking temperature. Cook in batches if necessary for even flavor.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process can result in an unbalanced sauce. Regularly sample and modify as needed.
- Not using fresh herbs: Relying solely on dried herbs may limit freshness. Incorporate some fresh herbs at the end for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep flavors intact.
- Can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Authentic Italian Gravy
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Lasts up to 6 months in the freezer; label with date.
Reheating Authentic Italian Gravy
- Oven: Preheat oven at 350°F; place gravy in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until warm; usually about 5-7 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring regularly until warmed; this usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Authentic Italian Gravy:
Can I use different meats in Authentic Italian Gravy?
Yes! You can substitute beef short ribs with pork or chicken for varied flavors. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
How do I make Authentic Italian Gravy gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, check that all canned products and broth are certified gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure this.
How long does Authentic Italian Gravy take to cook?
The total time is around 8 hours, including preparation and simmering time. This long cooking period enhances the flavors significantly.
Can I add vegetables to my gravy?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers or carrots for additional sweetness and texture. Just sauté them along with onions at the beginning.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Italian Gravy is not only rich and satisfying but also versatile enough to pair with various dishes like pasta, meatballs, or even as a base for pizza sauce. Experiment with different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe that embodies warmth and comfort!
Authentic Italian Gravy
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Authentic Italian Gravy is the ultimate comfort sauce that embodies the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. This rich, slow-simmered sauce combines beef, tomatoes, and a medley of herbs to create a robust flavor that transforms any meal into a feast. Whether you’re drenching spaghetti or serving it with homemade meatballs, this gravy brings warmth to the table and makes every bite memorable. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and guarantees to impress both kids and adults alike. Elevate your next gathering with this delightful recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red wine
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 beef short ribs
- 1 pound Italian sausage (cooked and drained)
- 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a roasting pan, combine red wine, olive oil, beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until meat is browned.
- Transfer mixture to a stockpot over medium-low heat; stir in an additional ¼ cup of red wine. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and parsley. Simmer uncovered for 4-6 hours.
- Remove short ribs; stir in cooked sausage and simmer for an additional hour.
- Serve over freshly cooked pasta.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow-simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
