Sunday Sauce
House made rigatoni, slow simmered pork & beef ragu, ricotta, basil.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Sunday Sauce, deeply rooted in Italian-American tradition, evolved from the Neapolitan ragù. Italian immigrants brought their culinary heritage to America, adapting recipes based on available ingredients and cultural influences. The 'Sunday Sauce' became a communal meal, a celebration of family and heritage, often simmered for hours to develop its rich flavor.
Sunday Sauce is more than just a meal; it's a cultural institution, representing family, tradition, and togetherness within Italian-American communities.
Family Gathering
Sunday Sauce is traditionally prepared and enjoyed on Sundays, bringing families together for a shared meal. It's a time for connection, conversation, and creating lasting memories.
Generational Recipe
The recipe for Sunday Sauce is often passed down through generations, with each family adding their unique touch and variations. It represents a tangible link to their Italian heritage.
Symbol of Abundance
The large pot of sauce and accompanying pasta symbolize abundance and generosity, reflecting the importance of providing for loved ones within Italian-American culture.
This dish is characterized by a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile, balanced by the creamy ricotta and fresh basil.
The slow-simmered pork and beef ragu creates a deep, meaty flavor, with the long cooking time allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The sweetness comes from tomatoes, often enhanced with a touch of sugar or wine. The ricotta cheese provides a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the richness of the sauce, while the fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note.
Slow and Low
The key to a rich and flavorful sauce is slow simmering. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 3-4 hours, or even longer, over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes and meat, will significantly impact the final flavor of the sauce. Opt for San Marzano tomatoes and quality cuts of pork and beef.
Don't Skimp on the Meat
Different cuts of pork and beef can be used, like pork shoulder, ribs, beef chuck, or sausage. Varying the meat adds complexity to the sauce.
Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. Don't be afraid to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh herbs will add a brightness to the sauce.
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