This authentic recipe for Italian Sunday gravy (sauce) – or sugo, as my family calls it – is a rich tradition that’s been passed down from a Sicilian family for generations. It’s a homemade red sauce that gets simmered for hours with meatballs, Italian sausage, and melt-in-your-mouth pieces of tender slow cooked pork. Traditionally served on Sundays, this iconic Italian recipe is perfect for big family gatherings, special occasions or any night of the week.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2-3 lbs pork loin pork chops, ribs and/or neck bones
kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 small yellow or sweet onion finely diced
5 cloves garlic very thinly sliced
pinch of red chili flakes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 28- ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon finely minced Italian parsley
pinch of sugar optional
1 ½ lbs Italian sausage hot, sweet or both
1 batch homemade Italian meatballs or 16-20 store-bought meatballs cooked
pasta for serving
grated Pecorino Romano cheese for serving
Ricotta cheese for serving
Instructions