Basic homemade tomato sauce

Ciao a tutti,

A few folks have asked about a recipe for my sauce. To be honest, I don't really have a recipe in the traditional sense.  I have a list of general ingredients and a system of putting them together.  However, tha's about as close as it gets to a recipe.


It may sound kind of hokey but I think that my sauce tastes so good because I make it with love.  You be the judge. Take a look at it.  If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

Enjoy!

Benedizioni,

---Vincenzo


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Basic homemade tomato sauce:
     - leave off Step 1 & 2 if you want to make a vegetarian sauce.

1. Brown ground beef (1 - 2 lbs) in a sauce pan with olive oil and garlic.
2. If desired, add finely chopped Prosciutto (1/2 - 1 lb).  When browned, drain.excess fat.
3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil, a bit more garlic, and either crushed or diced tomatoes (at least 28 oz, I use more).  Simmer for 15 minutes. If using canned tomatoes, do not drain the water. If using fresh tomatoes, you might need to add some water. (If you're making a vegetarian sauce, make sure to sauté the garlic in olive oil and then add the tomatoes to it.)
4. Add veggies of choice (red, green, and yellow bell peppers / mushrooms / diced red onion / zucchini / chopped black olives, etc.).
5. Add wine - red or white depending on whatever flavor you want to add. I like to add some Chianti, Merlot, or even Pinot Grigio/Gris. A good ratio is: 1 cup for the pot, 1 glass for the cook.
6. Either simmer (and stir) until sauce begins to thicken (a long time!), or add tomato paste to thicken if you don't have all day.
7. Add Optional Ingredients – to taste based on preference -
• Fire Roasted Red Bell Pepper, diced or dried flakes
• Red Pepper Flakes for hotness if you desire
• Grated Carrot for sweetness if you so desire
• Scallions, finely chopped
• Prosciutto, finely chopped
8. Add Herb Mix - - I make a batch of herb mix to keep on hand for convenience and it is easy to make. Use more or less equal parts based on personal preference. Because Rosemary and Orange Peel are so potent, I tend to use a smaller amount of them than I do of the other herbs -
• basil
• marjoram
• oregano
• rosemary
• thyme
• sage
• savory
• orange peel (finely grated if fresh)
9. Add some grated Parmesan-Romano or Pecorino.
10. Keep stirring while sauce simmers.
11. Add fresh ground black pepper and sea salt to taste.

Remember, stir counterclockwise to stir out all stress.
Stir clockwise to stir in  love, respect, and honor.

State zitto e mangia
(Shut up and eat)