Rich and Saucy Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Italian Spaghetti Sauce was one of the first authentic Italian recipes that I learned to cook. I had moved to a large city in Texas and, much to my surprise, at that time, they didn't have a lot to choose from in the way of Italian Restaurants. The good ones had a 6 month waiting list. I love Italian food and I couldn't wait that long, so I took matters into my own hands and learned the fascinating art of Italian cooking.

This makes a thick, rich, robust sauce. It may look a little complicated, but it is well worth the effort.

2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Large Onion, Chopped

3 Cloves Garlic, Chopped

29 Ounces Tomato Sauce

28 Ounces Crushed Tomatoes

6 Ounces Tomato Paste

6 Ounces Burgundy Wine

1/2 tsp. Fennel Seeds

2 Bay Leafs

1 Tbs. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1 tsp. Beef Bouillon

1 tsp. Sea Salt

1 Tbs. Oregano

1/2 Tbs. Thyme

1 Tbs. Basil

2 Lbs. Ground Chuck

1 Lb. Ground Veal

1/2 Lb. Ground Pork

1. Heat Extra Virgin Olive Oil to medium heat in a large stockpot. Sauté onions. Reduce heat and sauté garlic

2. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, fennel, bay leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and beef bouillon to stockpot. Stir to combine ingredients.

3.Combine oregano, thyme and basil in a cup and use the back of a spoon to press the mixture to release their oils and aroma. Add to the stockpot. Stir to combine with the other ingredients.

4. In a seperate pan, sauté the ground chuck, veal and pork. Drain well and add to the stockpot.

5. Bring the temperature up until the sauce is just below a boil, then reduce heat to a slow simmer. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Servings: 8

Nutrition Facts Serving size: 1 serving

Percent daily values based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients. Amount Per Serving: Calories 322.10 Calories From Fat: (33%) 104.70 % Daily Value Total Fat Saturated Fat: 4.19g 21% Cholesterol: 84.18mg 28% Sodium-Potassium: 1297.48mg 37% Carbohydrates: 22.09g 7% Dietary Fiber-Sugar 7.66g Sugar Alcohols: 0.00g Net Carbohydrates: 16.85g Protein: 31.21g 62% MyPoints: 6.6

Cooking Tips If you like a sweet sauce, add sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, after the first 10 minutes of cooking and adjust to your taste.

Serve over Spaghetti with lots of fresh grated Parmesan Cheese and fresh ground pepper.

This freezes beautifully.