BASIC RED GRAVY (MARINARA)

Basic Red Gravy (Marinara) image

Provided by Donna Graffagnino

Time 3h15m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 Tbsp bacon grease
1 Tbsp olive oil, or 2 tbsp if you are not using bacon grease
2 medium onions, chopped fine
1/2 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1/2 c bell pepper, chopped fine
1 small (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 medium (15 oz) can diced tomatoes & (8 oz) tomato sauce or (15 oz) tomato sauce
2-3 Tbsp garlic, minced
3 c beef broth
1/4 - 1/2 c red wine
2 tsp oregano, dried
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 Tbsp granulated onion
1 Tbsp granulated garlic
2 bay leaves
1 tsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat the bacon grease or olive oil in a Dutch oven, over medium heat and add chopped onions, green onions, and bell pepper and saute on low until onions are transparent but don't let them brown.
2. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and minced garlic; cook down for about 5 minutes stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
3. Add wine and beef stock, oregano, basil, granulated garlic & onion, bay leaves, sugar and salt & pepper to taste.
4. Simmer stock for about 30-45 minutes, adding more beef stock as needed to keep sauce fairly thin. Cover with a splatter screen or off-set the lid so steam can escape without splattering sauce all over the kitchen; cook for 2-3 hours or until desired thickness is reached. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Serve over pasta or add your favorite meat to red gravy. Buono Appetito!
5. *Options: ,I don't use carrots but if you like them add 2 finely chopped carrots to the onions and bell pepper if desired - it adds to the sweetness. If you like just a little heat in your red sauce then add crushed red pepper flakes to taste when adding tomato paste & sauce.