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mama's italian pasta sauce

(1 rating)
falam14414 avatar
Recipe by
Fred Alam
@falam14414
Rochester, NY

This is the way my (Italian) Mom made her sauce. I learned by watching many times. The quantities of ingredients are approximate and can be adjusted to your own taste. You can also use fresh herbs in place of the dried. When I make it during the summer I use basil, oregano, parsley, and mint picked fresh from the garden. When using fresh herbs add some more about 15 min. before done cooking.

(1 rating)
yield 8 serving(s)
prep time 45 Min
cook time 3 Hr
method Stove Top

Ingredients For mama's italian pasta sauce

  • 3 lb
    italian pork sausage cut into 2 or 3 in. links (hot, sweet, or mild)
  • 3 Tbsp
    olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 md
    onion (diced)
  • 3 clove
    garlic (finely choped or crushed)
  • 2 can
    (6 oz.) tomato paste
  • 1/2 c
    red wine
  • 1 Tbsp
    parsley flakes
  • 2 tsp
    oregano, dried
  • 2 tsp
    sweet basil, dried
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    dried mint (cuts acid in tomatoes)
  • 4 can
    (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
  • to taste
    salt
  • to taste
    black pepper
  • to taste
    crushed red pepper (if you want to add a kick)
  • 1/2 c
    parmigiano-reggiano, grated

How To Make mama's italian pasta sauce

  • 1
    In a large dutch oven or heavy sauce pan heat olive oil. Place sausage links in pan. Turn until evenly browned. Remove to a platter.
  • 2
    Add onion to pan stirring until translucent. Add garlic. Be careful not burn the garlic. Stir for about a minute. Add tomato paste, parsley, oregano, basil,and mint and stir for about a minute. Add red wine and stir for a couple minutes while scraping all the goodness off the bottom of the pan.
  • 3
    Add crushed tomatoes and stir to mix paste and wine into the tomatoes. Stir in parmigiano cheese. Add the sausage back to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. Stir occasionally to keep from sticking to bottom of pan.
  • 4
    About 15 min. before the sauce is done sprinkle in some more parsley, oregano, basil, and mint to freshen the flavor and add color. Serve over your favorite pasta.
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