I think it’s time to share another recipe since it’s Saturday, and I know at least 2 people asking about how make basic sauces. So here’s my take on an Italian tomato based sauce.

What’s great about this recipe is is it’s versatility. You can add minced beef, beef cubes, pork pieces, chicken, or tuna, and come up with a tasty meal each time that tastes slightly different. You can add chilli and chilli flakes instead of oregano to make a chilli or, to just add a kick.

Ingredients:

  • I large onion, diced
  • 28 oz chopped tinned tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2-3 cloves crushed garlic
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh ground pepper

Method:

  1. In a large saucepan sauté onion over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and oregano and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  3. If you are wanting a rich beef sauce, add your minced beef (or meat of choice) at this point and cook on medium-high till browned, 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, bay leaves and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, till minced beef (or meat of choice) is thoroughly cooked. Otherwise 20-25 minutes if just the basic tomato sauce.
  6. To turn into chilli, add 2 tbsp chilli powder when browning the minced beef or beef cubes, and ½ tsp of chilli flakes to add an extra kick.
Whatever your choice, play around with the spices and make this one your own. Remember, this sauce freezes well for up to 2 weeks.