What is the difference between marinara/ tomato and Sunday Sauce/ Sunday Gravy?
The base of Sunday sauce or Sunday Gravy is as similar to traditional Italian marinara/ tomato sauce, however, Sunday sauce includes meat.
Why is it called Sunday sauce?
Sunday sauce or gravy was traditionally cooked on Sundays in Naples, Italy. Historians believe it dates back to taverns in 1857 and traditionally served as a second course.
Is Sunday sauce Italian or American?
Sunday Gravy is a traditional Italian-American recipe. However, it dates back to 1857 in Naples, Italy. It is often made with marina sauce combined with several different types of meat, including specifically beef or pork. The sauce is cooked slowly until the meat is tender. and served over pasta.
What is Sunday Gravy called in Italian?
The two ways Italians say “sauce” are salsa and/or sugo. Both words translate as “sauce” but never “gravy. The term gravy was adopted by Italian Americans.
Can I freeze my leftover Sunday Sauce?
Yes, I always make a big batch and put any extra in several small airtight containers. Store it in the freezer and use it when you need it. It makes a great quick weeknight meal.
What can I make with my leftover Italian Sunday Gravy?
Story your leftover Sunday Sauce stored in the freezer. It is perfect for as a thick meat pizza, pasta fagioli soup starter, fennel soup starter, lasagna sauce, and more.
Can I make Sunday Sauce in a slow cooker, Instapot, or pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make the sauce in a slow cooker, Instapot, or pressure cooker. However, it is important to saute the vegetables and sear the meat first. Then pressure cook for 45 minutes and slowly release the pressure.
Sunday Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Large saucepan
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Fork
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Measuring Spoons
- 1 Measuring Cups
- 1 Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Bone in short rib
- 1 lb Lean ground beef
- 3 Carrots
- 3 stalks Celery
- 1 Onion
- 2 Tablespoons Fennel seeds (or to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic powder (or to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons Capers
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 28oz Cans Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Red Wine
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
- 3 pinches sugar
- 3 Hot Italian Sausages
- 3 Sweet Italian Sausages
- 2 boxes Pasta of choice
- 1 chunk Parmesan Rind
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat saucepan to medium/ high heat
- Brown shortribs on approximately 3 minutes on each side.1.5 lb Bone in short rib
- While short rib is browning. Chop carrots, celery and onions into small pieces.3 Carrots, 1 Onion, 3 stalks Celery
- Remove short ribs and set aside.
- Break up and brown ground beef.1 lb Lean ground beef
- Removed ground beef from pan and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and onions to pan. Saute until translucent.
- Add ground beef back into the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium
- Add tomato paste to the pan. Cook until paste turns deep red. Approx 3 minutes2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
- Add red wine to pan. Allow wine to cook until reduced by half.1 Cup Red Wine
- Add in San Marzano tomatoes crusing the whole tomatoes with your hands.2 28oz Cans Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, capers, fennel, sugar, salt, and Parmesan rind.2 Tablespoons Fennel seeds (or to taste), 2 Tablespoons Garlic powder (or to taste), 2 Tablespoons Capers, 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning, 3 pinches sugar, 1 chunk Parmesan Rind
- Add short ribs back to sauce.1.5 lb Bone in short rib
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
- Taste the sauce and add more garlic powder, Italian seasoning, capers, salt, or fennel as needed.2 Tablespoons Fennel seeds (or to taste), 2 Tablespoons Garlic powder (or to taste), 2 Tablespoons Capers, 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Remove the short rib, trim the fat, and shred/ pull the meat. Place meat back in the pot. Discard the fat and freeze bones for a bone broth in the future.
- Heat a skillet to high. Brown the hot and sweet Italian sausages.3 Sweet Italian Sausages, 3 Hot Italian Sausages
- Once brown on all sides. Add sausages to pot and simmer for another 30 mins
- In a separate pot bring water to a boil for pasta.2 boxes Pasta of choice
- Generiously salt pasta water.
- Boil pasta per package directions. Always deduct one minute from the lowest time for perfectly al dente pasta.2 boxes Pasta of choice
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
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This Sunday pasta sauce is so decadent! It is the best Sunday gravy i have ever had! The short rib really takes this sauce to the next level.My husband loves it and it has become my 3-year-old son’s favorite meal.