I’m thrilled to say that I am one of the newest members to join the Recipe Redux, a community of healthy food bloggers sharing recipes and guidance on how to eat healthier. The Recipe Redux motto? Every healthy recipe deserves to be delicious! I’ll be sharing a monthly recipe that’s been “reduxed” around a specific theme. November’s theme? A food memory for which I am thankful for. I didn’t have to think twice about the recipe I wanted to share: traditional Italian Sunday gravy.
Traditional Sunday gravy is a meat infused sauce, and baby, there’s a lotta meat in there! I’ve “reduxed” my family’s recipe by cutting down on the meat and using just enough to infuse the sauce with flavor. Now don’t get me wrong, I do NOT think meat is unhealthy. But personally, I don’t think this sauce needs meatballs, Italian sausage, AND short ribs to flavor it. A little goes a long way!
Whether you call it gravy or sauce, here’s my Redux recipe. Manja!
Traditional Sunday Gravy [Red Sauce]
- Servings: 6-8 cups of sauce
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1.5-2 pounds of beef short ribs (if you use pork ribs the sauce will be a lighter red vs. dark red)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-28 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes
- 2-28 ounce cans of pureed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the short ribs and brown on all sides. Remove to a plate and reserve.
- Add the onion to the pot. Sautee over a medium heat until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, sugar, and red pepper. Return the short ribs to the pot. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the seasoning of salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the basil and butter ten minutes before serving. Remove the short ribs and shred the meat before serving.
Serving suggestions: This sauce is the BEST when served on top of pasta or dunked with garlic bread. By all means add meatballs, Italian sausage, and extra short ribs if you’d like a meaty experience… OR consider adding some veggies, such as red and green bell pepper, mushrooms, or zucchini!
Clink the “InLinkz Frog” to view other Recipe Redux member recipes for November. I promise you’ll be “pinning” a few to try!
You have such a cute family! And this gravy looks divine!
Thanks Taylor!! It’s definitely a family favorite 🙂
Love making my own sauces! It is ALWAYS the way to go!
Couldn’t agree more!!!
How exciting that you joined the Recipe Redux! And with baby #2 almost here! I have to admit that I have never made homemade pasta sauce I will definitely need to give your recipe a try 🙂
Are you thinking about the RR?! You should!!!!!
I’d love to but think I’ll wait a few more months to get into a groove first 🙂
Yum homemade is always best for so many reasons. Will try this out tonight!!
Yum! I can’t wait to try this one. Looks SO good! Thanks for sharing!
I love Sunday Sauce and your “reduxed” version sounds perfect! I’m so excited to be a new Redux member too, welcome!!
Yay! Can’t wait to see more of your reduxed recipes!!
Welcome to the Redux! It’s fun to play with the monthly theme. I haven’t bought store red sauce in forever. Homemade is always better. Love the Goodfellas reference!
Lol. I was hoping someone would appreciate it! Definitely a guilty pleasure movie of mine…
this looks heavenly!!!
Oh I so love this post because where I come from tomato sauce is most definitely gravy and I love that scene from Goodfellas. Think I gotta make me a pot tomorrow….
I’m glad I’m not the only Goodfella’s fan!! It was one of the only scenes I could relate too 😉
Welcome to the Recipe Redux, Katie! Loved your post. This recipe inspires me to make my own red sauce… one day.
Mmm, looks so good, I have never used short ribs. Thanks for sharing.