Best 4 Traditional Italian Sauce Recipes

BOLOGNESE SAUCE - TRADITIONAL ITALIAN MEAT-BASED SAUCE FOR PASTA

Steps:

• In a nonstick skillet saute' the pancetta until brown and crisp. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels; set aside.
• Put the pepper, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms and garlic in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped.
• Over a medium flame, heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep saute' pan with a thick, heavy bottom. To the pan add the chopped vegetables and lemon zest, saute' for 6 or 7 minutes - until the onions turn clear and the garlic starts to "dance". Pour all ingredients into a large bowl; reserve for later.
• Continuing to cook over a medium flame, add the sausage links to the saute' pan, breaking into bite-sized clumps with a fork while it cooks; stir often. Cook until no longer pink. Remove sausage from pan and drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, discard all but 1 tablespoon of the pan drippings and add the beef to the saute' pan. Crumble with a fork to break the beef apart; stir often. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until no longer pink.
• Lower your flame to medium-low and return the sausage, sauteed vegetables and pancetta to the saute' pan; gently stir together to blend. Add the wine and simmer until the alcohol evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add the milk, allspice, basil, oregano and pepper. Simmer until milk thickens a little - around 3 or 4 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes and a 1/2 cup of their juice. When the sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat so that it cooks at the barest simmer, with just an occasional bubble or two. Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours, turning down the heat if the sauce starts to scorch. If the sauce dries out before it is done, add a laddle of the reserved tomato juice or the beef broth; and check the seasoning.
• The sauce will improve steadily as it cooks, and if you have the time simmer it longer - many Italian cooks suggest that it be simmered for 6 hours, adding the tomato juice or broth as necessary. When this bolognese sauce is done, it should be rich and thick.
• Cook's Tip: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for several days, or frozen for several months. Warm over low heat before serving.
• Cook's Tip: Try using all chopped veal or lamb for a stronger flavor.

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Add onion, pancetta, pressed garlic, and salt; saute; 2 minutes. Stir in pureed tomatoes, tomato puree, and basil. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 45 minutes. Remove and discard onion halves.
• Place beef cutlets on work surface. Sprinkle each piece with 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 clove finely chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon parsley, and 1 teaspoon cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Roll beef, and tie with kitchen twine.
• Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add cracked garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Place rolled beef, sausage, and spare ribs in skillet and cook until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add wine, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove browned meat from pan, and add to sauce along with meatballs.
• Add 2 cups water, and return to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Just before sauce is finished bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain, and transfer to a large serving platter. Stir sauce to combine, and ladle sauce over pasta. Serve meats on a separate platter. Sprinkle cheese over pasta and meats.

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN-AMERICAN PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• - Brown the meat in oil in multiple batches then take it out. (It will need to actually cook in the sauce once you put it back in later) - Put the garlic in the oil. Make sure the oil is not too hot or it will ruin the garlic - Then cook the chopped onion until translucent - add bacon and or bacon fat fat if you have any - add one small can of beef broth and/or chicken broth. - Add tomato paste (one small can) - Then add the two large cans of peeled whole tomatoes. Crush with your fingers as you put them in. - Add additional spices basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper - Consider adding a small amount of carrots (or a little sugar instead of carrots). - Put the meat back in. - After awhile, pour in a little bit of wine - Simmer for 2 hours or until the beef is falling apart - Stir frequently avoid burning

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• In a medium stock pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes. While oil is sizzling, slowly add half the tomatoes. If desired, add wine, stirring to combine. Add remaining tomatoes. Reduce heat and add the oregano, dried basil, and bay leaves. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened slightly, 1.5-2 hours. Add the fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves.