RAGÙ ALLA BRIAN (BRIAN'S LONG-COOKING MUSHROOM TOMATO SAUCE)

Servings: 8

Yield: 2 qts.

    

This ragù is DH Brian's standard spaghetti sauce, and it is one of the most delicious I have ever tasted, despite the fact that he uses no wine (this makes it less expensive, by the way). He freezes tomatoes in bags in late summer and early fall to use in his sauce. When they are partially thawed, the skins peel off easily and the tomatoes can be chopped with a sharp knife. For a classic "meat" sauce, add 12-16 oz. of your favorite commercial hamburger replacement "crumbles" or ground seitan, along with mushrooms, and you can also add a little dry red wine if you like. From my book "Nonna's Italian Kitchen".

 

3 tablespoons    extra-virgin olive oil  

1 large    onion, minced  

1 large    red or green bell pepper, seeded and chopped  

1 whole head or bulb    garlic, peeled and crushed  

4 lbs    ripe plum tomatoes (peel if you like), chopped  

   OR 2/ 28 oz. cans Italian plum tomatoes, with juice  

1 5 1/2 oz. can    good-quality tomato paste  

1 3/4 cups (approx.)    water  

1 large    bay leaf  

1 tablespoon    salt  

1 tablespoon    EACH dried oregano, thyme and basil  

1 small    dried red hot pepper  

2 cups    sliced mushrooms, button, crimini, or any other kind  

  

In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, and pepper and saute for several minutes, until the onion starts to soften (don't brown the garlic). Add all of the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the mushrooms. Bring to a boil, then turn down, cover and simmer for 4-6 hours, stirring every half hour or so. During the last half hour, remove the lid, add the mushrooms, and simmer uncovered until serving time. Serve over any type of hot pasta, polenta, or even gnocchi.

 

NOTE: To cook in a slow-cooker, omit the water and saute the mushrooms along with the onions, etc.. Place these in a large slow cooker and add the rest of the ingredients. If you are adding hamburger replacement, add it along with the tomatoes. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour, then on LOW for 10-12 hours.

  

 Nutrition Facts

Nutrition (per serving): 122.6 calories; 40% calories from fat; 5.7g total fat; 0.0mg cholesterol; 880.1mg sodium; 866.1mg potassium; 17.1g carbohydrates; 4.5g fiber; 9.5g sugar; 12.7g net carbs; 4.0g protein; 2.1 points.