Sauce or gravy: Every Italian Mom makes a good one!

10/07/2009

Nothing says comfort food in my house more than the smell of onions, peppers and garlic, simmering on the stove. Sunday dinner, in my family, means fresh sauce and pasta.

When I first got married, I thought my homemade sauce meant I could "cook". Little did I realize, living together meant dinner seven nights a week! I had to branch beyond pasta and sauce or eggplant parmigiana. That's when I learned the base of veggies and garlic could start any meal; Italian, Mexican, Asian, or even simple American. A great marinara doesn't need to be reserved solely for pasta.  

Add a few kids in the mix and I learned the power to hide veggies in that beautiful tomato sauce!

My recipe is as simple as it gets:

I start with a little olive oil and minced garlic, add fresh cut onions, green and red peppers and saute until soft. Then I add about a pound of fresh tomatoes (in the summer) or a few cans of chunk tomatoes if it's off-season, and let simmer. Fresh basil, mint, and a half-cup of parmesean cheese round the whole thing out.

I love adding eggplant, since it's my favorite, or artichokes. And the kids don't even notice the extra veggies.

What's your go-to dish? What spells comfort food in your home? Pizza?

Comments

[Joy]

I like it with zucchini or summer squash added. Or throw in some crushed red pepper and black olives for a spicy version...yum!

[Lesa]

You should take Kate Gosselin off this web site. She is a disgrace to women in general. Focus on the Duggars for more viewers. Take Kate off the TV completely and you would gain viewers back. The way she is going about things is just wrong and no one wants to have anything to do with her-sad but true! I love the Duggars but will not watch while Kate is on TLC or Discovery channel and will stop watching any channel she has anything to do with. Would not even watch the children now. Kate has made them even look bad in some ways, or should I say unattractive to watch or hear about. Kate is just sorry! All my opinion but many agree with it. I do miss the Duggars though and will focus on them on the internet. Kate has opened her trap with lies and rants on Jon and etc., one to many times. Um, so done with that selfish person. Lots more on tv than to have to sit through a lie and listen to someone think they and her children are better than everyone else. Golden spoon-yea-right! To late Kate, you are not liked at all by so many and if you only knew what people say about you. We all know you want fame instead of family but we don't care what you do anymore. We can just turn you off and the stations your on or stuff you have anything you have to do with. TLC, just stop with her-please, I would love to come back to see the Duggars and table for 12. They have such good mom's and so much love in their families, no mommie dearest!