Italian Gravy(For Tricia'S Meatballs)
Rich and savory Italian gravy with aromatic herbs, perfect for flavoring meatballs and hearty dishes, appealing to those who love classic Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the pot. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon. This gravy also works well with Italian recipes that require a robust sauce, such as Italian Meatball Spaghetti Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian gravy is perfect for serving over pasta, particularly with meatballs. It pairs beautifully with Italian Meatball Spaghetti Sauce for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Gravy(For Tricia'S Meatballs) contains roughly 119 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1943mg per serving (84% 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, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and chop about 10-12 medium tomatoes to replace the canned paste, puree, and sauce. You'll need to adjust cooking time as fresh tomatoes may require longer to break down.
How do I adjust the spice level of the gravy?
To increase the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to ensure it doesn't overwhelm the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This gravy holds up well in the freezer. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
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).