Authentic Italian Heirloom Tomato Sauce
Dive into the heart of Italy with this Authentic Italian Heirloom Tomato Sauce, a culmination of years of refinement and love. Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a symphony of flavors that will elevate any pasta dish to new heights. Imagine the rich, robust taste of slow-cooked Italian tomatoes mingling with hearty sausage, aromatic onions, and garlic, all enveloped in a luscious olive oil embrace. This sauce is designed for those who appreciate deeply flavorful, vibrant meals. It's not just a sauce; it's a piece of Italian culinary heritage that you'll cherish and pass down through generations. Beware: if you're fond of flavorless marinara, this is not for you!
N/A
Servings
270
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian-style peeled tomatoes
56 ounces (4 (14-ounce) cans, hand-crushed)
Vidalia onions
2 large (chopped or sliced)
Garlic
1 head (chopped or sliced)
Parmesan rind
1 piece (cut from a fresh block of Parmesan cheese)
Sweet Italian sausage
1 pound (loose)
Hot Italian sausage
1 pound (loose)
Olive oil
as needed (for cooking)
Emeril's Original Essence
1 tablespoon (optional, but highly recommended)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for a thicker sauce)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, generously coat the bottom with olive oil—about an inch deep. Heat over medium-low until the oil starts to shimmer, ensuring low temperature to prevent burning the garlic.
2
Add the chopped Vidalia onions and sliced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently until the onions turn transparent and the garlic is golden but not burnt, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Increase the heat slightly and add the loose sweet and hot Italian sausage, forming them into small 1/4-inch balls. Cook until browned thoroughly, making sure to stir regularly to achieve an even sear. If the mixture starts to stick, add a drizzle more olive oil.
4
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the hand-crushed Italian-style peeled tomatoes, the Parmesan rind, Emeril's Original Essence (if using), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5
Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and allow the sauce to cook gently for a minimum of 1 hour, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor development. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
When ready to serve, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
15g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
This recipe is for Authentic Italian Heirloom Tomato Sauce.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for 56 ounces of Italian-style peeled tomatoes, which is equivalent to four 14-ounce cans.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be hand-crushed before being added to the sauce.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 large Vidalia onions.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1 whole head of garlic, which should be chopped or sliced.
Why is a Parmesan rind included in the ingredients?
A Parmesan rind is added during the simmering process to provide a deep, savory flavor to the sauce.
What types of sausage are used in this sauce?
The recipe uses one pound of loose sweet Italian sausage and one pound of loose hot Italian sausage.
How much olive oil is needed for the base?
You should add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a heavy pot about an inch deep.
Is Emeril's Original Essence mandatory?
No, it is listed as optional but highly recommended for the best flavor.
Why is tomato paste added to the recipe?
Tomato paste is included to help create a thicker, more robust sauce.
How small should the sausage pieces be?
The loose sausage should be formed into small 1/4-inch balls.
What is the recommended simmering time?
The sauce should simmer for a minimum of 1 hour, but can be cooked for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor development.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 270 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this sauce?
Each serving contains 19 grams of fat.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
This recipe provides 12 grams of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of pot is best for cooking this sauce?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heating.
At what temperature should I cook the onions and garlic?
They should be cooked over medium-low heat to ensure the garlic does not burn.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and garlic?
It takes approximately 8-10 minutes for the onions to become transparent and the garlic to turn golden.
What should I do if the sausage starts to stick to the pot?
If the mixture sticks, you should add a drizzle more olive oil to the pot.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the pot and allow the sauce to cook gently.
How often should the sauce be stirred while simmering?
You should stir the sauce occasionally to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
Serve it over your favorite pasta and garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this sauce considered spicy?
It has a bit of a kick because it contains one pound of hot Italian sausage.
Can I use sliced onions instead of chopped?
Yes, the recipe allows for the Vidalia onions to be either chopped or sliced.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this sauce.
Is this a good recipe for someone who likes plain marinara?
The description notes that if you prefer flavorless marinara, this highly flavorful sauce is not for you.
How is the flavor described?
It is described as a rich, robust, and vibrant symphony of flavors.
What is the heritage of this recipe?
It is described as a piece of Italian culinary heritage that has been refined over many years.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include italian sauce, tomato sauce, pasta sauce, homemade sauce, sausage sauce, and heritage recipe.