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 and adjust the salt as needed.

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!