Jana's Corner & One and Done Recipes

This rich and flavorful tomato sauce is inspired by an Italian chef’s recipe and perfected over intermittent cooking sessions spanning 2-3 days (with my husband’s help). The slow cooking process is essential for developing its deep, robust flavor. Remember to taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt as necessary.

Ingredients

• 1 (6 lb 10 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes (available at Costco)
• 1 large white or yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped, or 2-3 tablespoons dried basil
• 2-3 tablespoons dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 bone-in pork chop or any beef/pork bone with marrow
• 1 package Italian sausage (hot or mild, according to preference)

Equipment

• Large pot
• Potato masher
• Immersion blender

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
   • Pour in the San Marzano tomatoes.
   • Use a potato masher to break down the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
   • Add the kosher salt, fresh or dried basil, dried oregano, bay leaves, and the bone-in pork chop.
3. Simmer
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 4 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
4. Blend the Sauce
   • After 4 hours, remove the pork chop or bone (your dog will appreciate this treat!).
   • Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only partially.
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the salt as needed.
5. Add Italian Sausage
   • Add the Italian sausage to the sauce and continue to simmer on low for another 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Final Touches
   • Before serving, you can add pre-cooked meatballs; Jim’s Meatball Recipe to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Serve
   • Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy!

Tips

• Slow Cooking
  • Cooking the sauce over multiple days in short increments helps to deepen the flavor. If you’re short on time, you can complete the process in a single day but make sure to simmer for at least 6-8 hours total.
• Adjusting Consistency
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or a bit more tomato sauce to reach your desired consistency.
• Storage
  • Store the sauce in plastic containers and freeze for up to six months. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals.

Enjoy this rich, slow-cooked Italian tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, and experience the depth of flavor that comes from the extended simmering process. Buon appetito!