Italian Red Sauce Aka Red Gravy or Spaghetti Sauce
Savor the rich, authentic flavors of Italy with this classic Italian Red Sauce, also known as Red Gravy or Spaghetti Sauce. Bursting with the essence of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this slow-simmered sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Featuring simple yet flavorful ingredients like canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, and a hint of sugar for balance, it delivers a harmonious blend of tangy and savory notes. Optional additions like red pepper flakes for heat or a parmesan rind for depth make this recipe easily customizable. Perfectly suited for pairing with spaghetti or your favorite pasta, this versatile sauce is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or as a base for lasagna and more. With just 15 minutes of prep and a low and slow cooking method, this homemade masterpiece yields a full-bodied sauce that rivals any Italian restaurant’s offering. Garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan for a truly irresistible finishing touch!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 56 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 small piece parmesan rind (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 cup water or chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly golden.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices. Use a wooden spoon or a potato masher to break up the tomatoes into smaller chunks.
Stir in the tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
If using, add the parmesan rind for extra depth of flavor.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to cook uncovered for at least 90 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking or burning.
If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, stir in water or chicken broth, 1/4 cup at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
After 90 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
Remove the parmesan rind (if used) before serving.
Serve the red sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with additional fresh basil or grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
128 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.5 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 685 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 3.5 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 582 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
