Introduction
The art of making spaghetti sauce transcends generational gaps, cultural barriers, and even skill levels in the kitchen. Yet, few recipes manage to capture the heart and essence of a family meal like the Wedding Gift Spaghetti Sauce. As unique as it is delicious, this recipe isn’t just a sauce; it’s a deeply personal gift often passed down to newlyweds to bless their union with the warmth and comfort that only a home-cooked meal can provide. However, it’s not a dish restricted to just weddings—its robustness makes it perfect for any occasion that calls for a plate of pasta draped in zesty tomato goodness. Here’s how you can prepare this gastronomic delight.
Detailed Ingredients
To make the Wedding Gift Spaghetti Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
– 2 (6.5-ounce) cans tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons white sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
– 1 teaspoon fennel seed
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
These ingredients collectively contribute to a rich and flavorful sauce that can transform any pasta dish into a memorable meal.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Understanding the time commitment for making this sauce is crucial for planning your meal:
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
– Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
– Yield: 12 servings
These details highlight the sauce’s immersive experience, as its long simmering time allows the flavors to meld into a mouthwatering symphony.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Making the Wedding Gift Spaghetti Sauce requires dedication and attention to detail. Follow these steps closely:
1. **Brown the Meats:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sweet Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to break the meat into crumbles and cook until well-browned. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes.
2. **Add Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Continue to cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. **Incorporate Tomato Ingredients:** Carefully add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water into the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
4. **Season Generously:** Add sugar, basil leaves, fennel seed, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This blend of seasonings will provide the essential depth and complexity to the sauce.
5. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and simmer the sauce gently for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. **Finishing Touch:** About 20 minutes before the sauce finishes cooking, add the chopped fresh parsley. This will provide a fresh and aromatic hint to the final product.
Notes
– **Make-Ahead:** This sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
– **Variations:** Feel free to add other spices like red pepper flakes for a kick of heat or fresh basil for an aromatic twist.
– **Texture:** If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender before serving.
Cook Techniques
– **Browning Meat:** Ensure you brown the meat thoroughly. This step adds layers of flavor that a simple sauté cannot achieve.
– **Simmering:** Low and slow is the key. Allowing the sauce to simmer for an extended period lets the ingredients marry well, creating a richer taste.
– **Stirring Frequently:** To avoid burning, especially with a thick sauce like this, frequent stirring is crucial.
FAQ
– **Can I use a different meat?** Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes.
– **Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?** Yes, just brown the meats and aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
– **Can I freeze the sauce?** Yes, this sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s completely cool before transferring to airtight containers.