Grandpa’S Gravy

This hearty "gravy" is a classic Italian-American tomato sauce, slow-cooked to develop a rich, velvety texture and deep flavor profile. Made with a robust base of tomato puree, whole plum tomatoes, and fresh aromatics like onion, garlic, and red pepper, it offers a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The addition of dried oregano, basil, and a bay leaf enhances the herbal warmth, while a splash of dry white wine adds complexity. Traditionally simmered for hours, this sauce is perfect for coating pasta, topping meatballs, or serving over chicken. Its a comforting, homemade staple that tastes even better the next day.

Cooking Method: Stewing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Sauces & Condiments

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Calories: 387.4

Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Description

This hearty "gravy" is a classic Italian-American tomato sauce, slow-cooked to develop a rich, velvety texture and deep flavor profile. Made with a robust base of tomato puree, whole plum tomatoes, and fresh aromatics like onion, garlic, and red pepper, it offers a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The addition of dried oregano, basil, and a bay leaf enhances the herbal warmth, while a splash of dry white wine adds complexity. Traditionally simmered for hours, this sauce is perfect for coating pasta, topping meatballs, or serving over chicken. Its a comforting, homemade staple that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

30 ounce CAN TOMATO PUREE
1 WHOLE BAY LEAF
30 ounce CAN WHOLE PLUM TOMATOES
2 tsp DRIED OREGANO
2 tsp DRIED BASIL
6 oz CAN TOMATO PASTE
1 tsp GARLIC POWDER
1 MEDIUM ONION, CHOPPED
3 LARGE CLOVES GARLIC, CRUSHED
1 cup CHOPPED MUSHROOMS
1 tsp SUGAR
1 cup DRY WHITE WINE
1 PINCH RED PEPPER FLAKES
to taste SALT AND PEPPER

Directions

1
Combine the tomato puree, whole plum tomatoes (crushed by hand), tomato paste, chopped onion, crushed garlic, mushrooms, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper, sugar, and bay leaf in a large covered pot.
2
Stir in the dry white wine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce heat to low.
4
Simmer the sauce covered for approximately three hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
5
If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little water. If it is too thin, uncover the pot and simmer over very low heat for an additional 30 to 45 minutes to reduce further.
6
Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 387.4kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6.0g10%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 81.4mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 86.6g29%
Dietary Fiber 27.8g112%
Sugars 39.0g
Protein 16.4g33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: tomato sauce, italian gravy, simmered sauce, plum tomatoes, tomato puree, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper, white wine, pasta sauce, slow cook, vegan sauce, homemade, comfort food

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/grandpas-gravy/