
Valentine’s Sunday Sauce
Remember that old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?”
There’s no better way to prove that theory than by surprising your mate with a fabulous Sunday Sauce - try it this Valentine’s day, which just happens to be, well, a Sunday!
You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time, as this is somewhat of a lengthy love affair. Start the sauce at least 6 hours before show time.
These recipes were inspired by Wegmans and Better Homes and Gardens, respectively. I like to think of recipes as a guide - change them up to make it your own.
Buon Appetito!
SAUCE
- ~4lbs. bone-in country ribs
- ~3lbs. hot Italian pork (or turkey) sausage links, cut in half
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 20 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups quality red wine (or water)
- 3 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 tbsp dried basil leaves
- Heat a small amount of oil in a large sauce pot to medium-high. Brown the ribs and sausage on all sides, set aside. Leave browned bits in the pot.
- Reduce heat to low. Add onions to pot; cook, stirring, 8 min, until soft but not browned. Add minced garlic, cook, stirring for 2 min.
- Raise heat to medium. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, 3-4 min, until paste begins to brown. Add wine; bring to a simmer, stirring to loosen browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Add tomatoes and basil; stir to combine. Return ribs and sausage to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 hours. Add meatballs;* Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.
- Transfer meats to a serving platter, let rest at least 15 min. Serve with your favorite pasta or zoodles and grated cheese.
MEATBALLS
- 2lbs. ground beef (85%)
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2c milk
- 1 t Worcestershire sauce
- 1 t salt
- Pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 medium onion, fine chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Preheat the oven to 400(F) degrees.
- Mix all ingredients well and form into
- equal-size meatballs (~2”).
- Place onto a foil-lined baking tray and roast for 10 min. *Add to sauce during the last hour of cooking.
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