AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PASTA SAUCE

Authentic Italian Pasta Sauce image

Provided by Megan Todd

Time 5h

Number Of Ingredients 24

2 lb ground beef (optional)
2 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 green peppers, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 c red wine
48 oz tomatoes, canned whole
32 oz tomato sauce, italian seasoned
32 oz tomato puree
12 oz tomato paste
4 clove whole garlic, minced
1/4 c chopped, fresh parsley
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 Tbsp chopped, fresh oregano
1/4 Tbsp thyme, leaves chopped
2 Tbsp brown sugar, firmly packed
3 bay leaves, dried
1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
3/4 c balsamic vinegar
1 c parmigiano-reggiano, grated
1 Tbsp chili pepper flakes (optional)
salt & pepper to taste

Steps:

1. I suggest. A large stock pot or sauce pan to make sauce in. You can also use meatballs in place of ground beef. This recipe can be altered to your tastes. I have a vegetarian, so I do not prepare my sauce with meat always. Also if I'm going to can, I omit the meat.
2. Prepare all vegetables. I use a food processor to save time. You want veggies finely chopped to cook into & soak into sauce and create a seasoned flavor in the sauce.
3. Heat oil in stock pan over medium heat. Add meat if using, and finely chopped vegetables. Saute until meat is browned, or for 3 minutes, until onions are transparent. Be careful not to burn garlic. Drain grease off and add red wine. Add whole tomatoes to pan and break up with wooden spoon while cooking. Add brown sugar, tomato sauce, tomato puree, spices.... simmer until sauce is hot. Add tomato paste (heat helps to cook paste into sauce).... add additional seasons to taste. Allow to cook on low for 2-4 hours, stirring frequently.
4. When sauce is done, & when ready to serve, remove from heat & add balsamic vinegar, & parmesan-reganno cheese, stir into sauce. Serve over prepared warm pasta, over your favorite Italian dish (chicken parm, eggplant parm, use in lasagna, etc) If canning, can as directed per canning jars while sauce is hot. If freezing, allow sauce to cool to room temp, place in freezer friendly dish & store in freezer for up to 3 months. I hope you enjoy this sauce as much as we do!