GrandPop’s Pasta Sauce

Some recipes are special because of the people and stories behind them. GrandPop’s pasta sauce is one of those recipes. This traditional Italian sauce has been passed down through my best friend’s husband’s family, with roots in Italy.

I’ve kept the family recipe as the foundation but added one little touch of my own: a carrot simmered right in the sauce. It adds a natural touch of sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes without adding sugar.

Jonnell Whitson, NTP

GrandPops Pasta Sauce

The recipe is a family staple these days and it came from a dear friend who I consider a sister.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 Med Onion quartered
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 cans crushed or canned tomatoes with juice San Marazano if you can find them if not plum works
• 1 cup water
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1-2 bay leaves

Method

 

1. In a heavy bottom stock pot bring to medium-low and add in the olive oil
2. quarter the onion, peel the garlic and toss into the pot.
3. add tomatoes(and juice), tomato paste and half the water to the pot as well and stir until combined.
4. add all the seasonings and the bay leafs, stir again.
5. Bring to a boil and stir. Then turn heat down to a simmer and stir every 20 minutes for 3 hours or so.
6. You want the onion and tomatoes to get soft but don't let it burn.
7. Turn off heat, and remove the bay leafs and set them aside.
8. Using a stick blender or a regular blender blend the onion, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes until well blended and then put back into the pot to continue cooking. until you are ready to serve.
9. If you are making meatballs, as they are cooking, I add them to the freshly blended sauce to just enhance more of the flavor. Servie with your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash.