Rich and Hearty Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 28 oz can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (for a richer tomato flavor)

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • Optional 2 tbsp butter

  • Mirepoix- 2-1-1 ratio

    • 1 sm onion, finely chopped, 2 shallots, finely chopped

    • 1 large carrot, finely grated

    • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ cup dry red wine

  • 1 cup beef or chicken stock (adds richness)

  • 2 tbsp Veal demi glace (Williams Sonoma)

  • ¾ tbsp Italian herbs

  • or 4-5 fresh basil leaves, torn

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • 1 lb browned Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)

  • Ultimate meatballs (from the earlier recipe)

  • Fresh grated Parmesan for garnish

  • Optional very finely chopped parsley

  • Crusty Italian Bread

Instructions:

Brown the Sausage:

  1. In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the Italian sausage in 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. 

  2. Break the sausage (or not) into chunks as it cooks, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Mirepoix:

  1. In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil (and optional butter). 

  2. Sauté the chopped onions, shallots, grated carrot, celery, and garlic (add last) until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. 

  3. Add the Italian herbs and optional red pepper flakes

Deglaze with Red Wine:

  1. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. 

  2. Let the wine reduce by 3/4, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Stock:

  1. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and stock. 

  2. Season with salt, pepper to taste. 

  3. Let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for about 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.

Add the Meat:

  1. Add the browned sausage and the meatballs into the sauce, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. 

  2. Simmer the sauce, partially covered, for an additional 1-2 hours allowing the meatballs and sausage to infuse their flavors into the sauce.

Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. 

  2. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it slightly with additional stock or water. 

  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan.

What Makes This Richer:

  • Italian Sausage: Adds a meaty richness and extra depth of flavor.

  • Tomato Paste and Red Wine: The tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, while the wine adds richness and complexity.

  • Beef or Chicken Stock: Adds body and helps create a thicker, more luxurious sauce.

  • Slow-Simmered Vegetables: The onion, carrot, and celery create a thicker, sweeter sauce while also adding nutrients and texture.

This version of the sauce is ideal for a comforting meal, perfect for serving over pasta or with crusty Italian bread on the side. The combination of meats and slow-cooked ingredients results in a deep, hearty sauce that clings perfectly to any pasta.