Sunday Gravy
A classic Italian-American Sunday gravy dish (likely featuring various meats simmered in tomato sauce).
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 Gravy represents a culinary adaptation of Southern Italian ragu dishes by Italian immigrants in the United States. Lacking access to traditional ingredients or adapting to American palates, they created a uniquely hearty and flavorful sauce, simmered for hours and laden with meat, becoming a symbol of family and tradition.
Sunday Gravy is more than just a meal; it's a cultural cornerstone of Italian-American families, representing togetherness, tradition, and love. The preparation is often a multi-generational event, passed down through family lines.
Family Tradition
Preparing Sunday Gravy is a family affair, often involving multiple generations. Recipes are passed down verbally, with each family having their own unique twist.
Sunday Gathering
The dish is traditionally served on Sundays, bringing families together for a large, leisurely meal. It's a time for conversation, laughter, and connection.
Symbol of Abundance
The generous portions and rich ingredients of Sunday Gravy represent a symbol of abundance and prosperity, reflecting the immigrant experience and the desire to provide for loved ones.
Adaptation and Innovation
The dish represents the adaptability and resourcefulness of Italian immigrants, who creatively adapted traditional recipes to new ingredients and cultural contexts in America.
Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, Sunday Gravy is defined by its slow-cooked meat, tomato base, and aromatic herbs.
The dominant flavors are the savory umami of the meat (typically pork, beef, and sometimes sausage), the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes (usually crushed or pureed), and the earthy notes of garlic, onions, and Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. The long cooking time allows the meat to become incredibly tender and imparts a deep, complex flavor to the sauce. Some variations may include a touch of sweetness from sugar or wine.
Low and Slow
Simmering the gravy over low heat for several hours is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor and tenderizing the meat. Do not rush the process.
Sear the Meat
Browning the meat before adding it to the sauce enhances the flavor and adds depth to the gravy. Sear it well on all sides.
Deglaze the Pan
After searing the meat, deglaze the pan with a little red wine or broth to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality tomatoes and fresh herbs will significantly improve the flavor of the gravy. San Marzano tomatoes are often preferred.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the gravy frequently throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don't be afraid to add a pinch of sugar or a splash of wine to balance the flavors.
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