Sunday Gravy is an authentic Italian recipe, the perfect blend of flavors and textures to make your dinner table a home-cooked treat. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can have your Sunday Gravy ready in no time.
Choosing the right meat can make all the difference when it comes to your Sunday Gravy. Opt for beef short ribs, Italian sausage links and boneless pork chops for a more flavor-packed gravy. Make sure to trim away any extra fat or gristle before adding the meats to the pot.
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding bold-flavored items like pancetta or bacon. These are best cooked up in the skillet ahead of time and then added to the pot before all of the other ingredients. The Italian sausage should also be cooked separately (but can be done simultaneously with the bacon). For a more intense flavor, you’ll want to simmer the sauce for hours until it’s thick and rich. This will give you a chance to let that meaty flavor really come through!
Heat up a large deep pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the beef short ribs and season with salt and pepper. Allow the meat to brown for about 5 minutes before turning it over. Cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Once both sides are browned, remove the beef short ribs from the pot and place on a paper towel–lined plate to absorb any extra fat or oil. Repeat this process with the Italian sausage links and boneless pork chops.
When all the meat is cooked, grab a large spoon and use it to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. The fond that sticks to the bottom is full of flavor, which will add complexity to your sauce. Immediately add in the diced onion and season with salt. Cook them until they are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. Then stir in garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a quick stir before pouring in the canned tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Once you have achieved a slow bubbling reaction, reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for at least an hour or until the vegetables have softened considerably.
After adding all the ingredients, let simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste, e.g., more garlic or red pepper flakes if desired. Finally, stir in fresh chopped parsley to give the gravy a bright burst of flavor and aroma. If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste for a richer flavor; simmer an additional 5-10 minutes for best results.
Sunday Gravy, or “gravy di domenica” (as it is known in Italy), is an Italian-American tomato sauce that is simmered on the stove top with a variety of ingredients like sweet sausage, hot sausage, beef short ribs, or veal shanks. Cook the garlic and onion in the olive oil until softened; then add the diced vegetables and cook for about 10 minutes. Add wine and bring to a boil, cooking until liquid has reduced by half. Next add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Finally add in the meat and let simmer for 1 hour until cooked through. By adding wine you can create a richer flavor as well as provide more depth of flavor to your Sunday Gravy!
To serve up your Sunday Gravy with ease, heat a large pot over medium heat and self or lightly oil with olive oil. Ladle the sauce into the warm pot, stirring continuously until hot throughout. Serve over your favorite pasta accompanied by garlic bread and a green salad for a hearty Italian family meal. Enjoy!
Sunday Gravy is a beloved Italian classic that takes its name from the slow-simmering process to bring out maximum flavor. This rich, meat-filled tomato sauce brims with tasty vegetables and spices like fresh tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes. To make the perfect Sunday Gravy begin by lightly browning your chosen selection of beef or pork. Sauté carrots, celery and onions in the same pan until they start to caramelize and add your favorite herbs like oregano, thyme and rosemary. Next, add crushed tomatoes to the mixture along with tomato paste for added umami flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for several hours before finishing with a splash of white cooking wine for good measure. Don’t miss out on this delicious Italian tradition - give Sunday Gravy a try today!
