Authentic Italian Gravy

This Authentic Italian Gravy is a culinary gem that will elevate any pasta dish to new heights. With its deep, rich flavors developed through hours of slow simmering, this sauce is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of beef short ribs and Italian sausage creates a robust flavor profile that is both comforting and memorable. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite pasta or even as a base for various Italian recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: This gravy simmers for hours, allowing the ingredients to meld together for an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for pasta dishes, as a pizza topping, or even enjoyed over polenta.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality sauce at home.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love; it’s great for family gatherings.
• Make Ahead: This gravy can be made in advance and stored, making mealtime stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Each tool plays a key role in achieving the best results while making this authentic Italian gravy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stockpot
• Roasting pan
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Stockpot: Ideal for simmering sauces over long periods, allowing flavors to develop fully.
• Roasting Pan: Provides ample space to roast beef short ribs evenly.
• Chef’s Knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables like onions and garlic, enhancing texture and flavor.

Ingredients

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

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup red wine (plus 1/4 cup)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 beef short ribs
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Tomato Base Ingredients

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

Seasoning Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Sausage Ingredient

• 1 pound Italian sausage (cooked and drained)

How to Make Authentic Italian Gravy

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a roasting pan, combine 1 cup of red wine, olive oil, beef short ribs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Roast the Meat

Roast the mixture in the oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until the beef short ribs are browned and tender.

Step 3: Transfer to Stockpot

Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Carefully transfer the meat mixture into a 6-quart stockpot over medium-low heat. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of red wine. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly. Simmer uncovered for 4 to 6 hours while stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces.

Step 5: Incorporate Sausage

Once reduced, remove the beef short ribs from the sauce. Stir in the cooked and drained Italian sausage. Continue simmering for an additional hour.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your authentic Italian gravy hot over cooked pasta of your choice. Enjoy this rich meal with friends or family!

How to Serve Authentic Italian Gravy

Authentic Italian Gravy is a versatile sauce that can elevate any meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make the most out of this rich and flavorful gravy.

With Fresh Pasta

• Fettuccine – Toss this creamy sauce with fettuccine for a hearty dish.
• Penne – The ridges of penne hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Over Polenta

• Creamy Polenta – Serve the gravy over soft, creamy polenta for a comforting meal.

As a Meat Sauce

• With Meatballs – Pair with homemade or store-bought meatballs for a classic Italian experience.
• On Sausages – Drizzle over grilled Italian sausages for added richness.

In a Lasagna

• Layered Lasagna – Use this gravy as one of the layers in your lasagna for depth of flavor.

With Garlic Bread

• Dipping Sauce – Offer as a dipping sauce alongside warm garlic bread.

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How to Perfect Authentic Italian Gravy

To create the perfect Authentic Italian Gravy, consider these essential tips that enhance its depth and flavor.

• Use Quality Tomatoes – Opt for San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness and low acidity.
• Don’t Rush the Simmering – Allow the sauce to simmer for several hours to develop its rich flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste as you go and adjust salt and herbs according to your preference.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End – Stir in fresh herbs like parsley just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Italian Gravy

Pair your Authentic Italian Gravy with these delicious side dishes that complement its rich taste and texture.

1. Garlic Bread – A crunchy and buttery treat perfect for soaking up leftover gravy.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds freshness.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil enhance the meal’s color and nutrients.
4. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light, refreshing contrast.
5. Risotto – Creamy risotto pairs well with the robust flavors of the gravy.
6. Bruschetta – Toasted baguette topped with diced tomatoes and basil offers a fresh starter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Authentic Italian Gravy, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can affect the final flavor and texture of your sauce. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the Simmer Time: Don’t rush the cooking process. Allowing the sauce to simmer for several hours enhances its depth of flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality tomatoes and fresh herbs. They make a significant difference in the overall taste.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust seasoning along the way. This ensures a balanced flavor.
• Neglecting to Brown Meat Properly: Browning your meat builds flavor. Make sure to get a good sear on your beef and sausage before adding them to the sauce.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, fresh herbs add a layer of freshness that dried cannot replicate. Use fresh where possible.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Authentic Italian Gravy

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Italian Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat gravy in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Authentic Italian Gravy.

How long does it take to make Authentic Italian Gravy?

The total time for this recipe is about 475 minutes, including both preparation and cooking times.

Can I use other meats in my gravy?

Absolutely! You can customize your gravy with different meats like chicken or pork, depending on your preference.

Is Authentic Italian Gravy gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure that all canned products are certified gluten-free.

What pasta goes best with Authentic Italian Gravy?

While you can pair it with any pasta, traditionally, it goes well with spaghetti or rigatoni for optimal sauce adherence.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Italian Gravy recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and aromas that will warm your heart. Versatile enough to serve over various pasta types or even as a base for other dishes, feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting embrace of homemade Italian sauce!