Grandma'S Italiano Pasta Sauce
Grandma's Italiano Pasta Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring rich tomato, aromatic herbs, and savory pork. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this sauce combines fresh ingredients and slow simmering to develop deep, authentic Italian flavors that complement pasta beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut approximately 0.92 pounds of salt pork into cube-sized pieces.
- Fry the salt pork in a large saucepan until browned.
- Add 1 1/2 chopped yellow onions and 4 chopped garlic cloves to the pan and cook until fragrant.
- Add pork bones and brown them with the other ingredients.
- Add the canned peeled tomatoes to the saucepan after mushing them.
- Cook on medium heat until it comes to a boil, approximately 20 minutes.
- Add finely chopped parsley (leafy parts only) to the sauce.
- Stir in tomato paste and add 72 ounces of water.
- Add approximately 0.49-ounce jar of basil.
- Season with a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of pepper, or to taste.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, allow the sauce to simmer longer than the recommended time to deepen the flavors. If you don't have salt pork, pancetta or bacon can be good substitutes, though they will alter the flavor slightly. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of red wine for richness. Fresh basil can also be used instead of dried, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich sauce over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or ziti, for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Deli Ziti Toss or Lasagna Rolls for a complete Italian feast. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side salad would complement the dish perfectly for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Italiano Pasta Sauce contains roughly 117 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but you'll need to peel and crush them first. About 12-15 medium tomatoes should yield the same quantity as the canned variety. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to reach the desired consistency.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and pork bones. Use vegetable broth for added flavor and consider sautéing mushrooms for a meaty texture. Increase the amount of garlic and herbs to enhance the taste, and you can still achieve a delicious sauce.
What can I serve with this sauce?
This sauce is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Serve it over pasta like spaghetti or ravioli, or use it as a base for baked dishes like lasagna. It also complements garlic bread or a fresh green salad as side options.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).