Authentic Italian Gravy

This Authentic Italian Gravy is a culinary treasure that brings the heart of Italy to your kitchen. Simmered slowly, this rich sauce is perfect for pasta, meatballs, or even as a base for other hearty dishes. Its deep flavor and aromatic qualities make it a wonderful choice for family dinners, special occasions, or any night when you crave comforting Italian cuisine. Each ingredient contributes to a complex taste profile that sets this gravy apart from any store-bought option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Slow simmering enhances the depth and richness of the sauce, making every bite memorable.
• Versatile Usage: Perfect for pasta, meatballs, or as a pizza sauce—this gravy elevates any dish.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal active cooking time, anyone can create this delicious sauce.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or dinner parties.
• Freezes Well: Make in bulk and freeze portions for quick meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Authentic Italian Gravy, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stockpot
• Roasting pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stockpot: A large stockpot allows for ample simmering space, crucial for developing flavors over time.
• Roasting pan: Ideal for browning meats, enhancing the overall taste through caramelization.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and ensuring even mixing of ingredients.

Ingredients

This Authentic Italian Gravy is simmered all day to yield a rich and delicious sauce. It’s perfect for any Italian dish!

Meat and Broth

• 1 cup red wine (plus 1/4 cup)
• 4 beef short ribs
• 1 pound Italian sausage (cooked and drained)

Vegetables

• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)

Canned Goods

• 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 1 28-ounce can tomato sauce

Seasonings

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Broth

• 2 cups beef broth

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, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a roasting pan; stir to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Roast the Meat

Roast in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes until the beef is browned and tender.

Step 3: Transfer to Stockpot

Remove from the oven and transfer the mixture to a 6-quart stockpot over medium-low heat. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of red wine. Allow it to simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Herbs

Add whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and parsley; stir well to combine. Simmer uncovered while stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces—this should take about 4 to 6 hours.

Step 5: Finish with Sausage

Remove short ribs from the sauce. Stir in the cooked and drained sausage. Continue simmering for an additional hour to meld flavors together.

Step 6: Serve with Pasta

Serve your rich Authentic Italian Gravy over freshly cooked pasta of your choice. Enjoy!

How to Serve Authentic Italian Gravy

Serving Authentic Italian Gravy can elevate any meal, making it a perfect centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this rich and flavorful sauce.

With Pasta

• Spaghetti: The classic choice, spaghetti pairs perfectly with the thick gravy, allowing every strand to soak up the sauce.
• Penne: Its tubular shape holds onto the gravy, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
• Fettuccine: This flat pasta complements the richness of the gravy beautifully.

On Meat Dishes

• Meatballs: Top your homemade meatballs with a generous serving of gravy for an extra flavor boost.
• Pollo alla Cacciatora: Drizzle over chicken cooked in tomatoes and herbs for a hearty meal.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Layered with Italian gravy, this dish becomes even more delicious.

With Bread

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the savory sauce, garlic bread is a must-have accompaniment.
• Crusty Italian Bread: Use slices to soak up every last drop of gravy on your plate.

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How to Perfect Authentic Italian Gravy

To achieve the best results when making Authentic Italian Gravy, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing fresh herbs and high-quality tomatoes enhances flavor significantly.
• Simmer Slowly: A long cooking time allows flavors to develop fully, making your gravy richer.
• Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of beef broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer uncovered.
• Taste As You Go: Regularly taste your gravy during cooking to adjust seasoning as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Italian Gravy

Pairing side dishes with Authentic Italian Gravy can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Salad Caprese: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil make a refreshing complement.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and flavor.
3. Risotto: Creamy risotto serves as a luxurious base for the rich gravy.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil offers a light starter before the main course.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with rice and herbs, they create a hearty side that pairs well with gravy.
6. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): A lighter alternative to pasta that still captures the essence of your sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Authentic Italian Gravy can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Using low-quality wine: The flavor of your gravy relies heavily on the wine you choose. Always select a good quality red wine to enhance the richness of your sauce.
• Skipping the simmering step: Skipping or rushing the simmering process can lead to a less flavorful sauce. Allow your gravy to simmer for several hours to develop depth and complexity.
• Not seasoning adequately: Some cooks forget to taste and adjust seasoning as it cooks. Regularly taste your gravy and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: While dried herbs are useful, fresh Italian parsley adds brightness that is hard to replicate. Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best results.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the cooking temperature. Ensure there’s enough space for everything to cook evenly and develop flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the gravy to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Authentic Italian Gravy

• Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Authentic Italian Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover lightly, and heat on medium power until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Authentic Italian Gravy.

How long does it take to make Authentic Italian Gravy?

The total time is around 475 minutes, including preparation and cooking. Most of this time is spent simmering.

Can I use different types of meat in Authentic Italian Gravy?

Yes! You can experiment with meats like beef chuck or pork. Each will add its own unique flavor profile.

Is Authentic Italian Gravy gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure all ingredients, especially broth, are certified gluten-free.

How do I customize my Authentic Italian Gravy?

Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Spices can also be adjusted based on preference.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Italian Gravy recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough for various dishes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite meats or vegetables. Try making this comforting sauce at home and enjoy its delightful aroma filling your kitchen!