Dalyn’s Tomato Ragu – aka “Awesome Sauce”

Dalyn’s Tomato Ragu – aka “Awesome Sauce”

The best way to make your house smell amazing is NOT to hose it down with Febreze or incense… but put a crap load of olive oil into a pot on the stove and put the following ingredients into said pot. Anyone who can smell will walk into your house (like my good friend Lizz) and say “oh my god – it smells amazing in here! What IS that?” Here’s how to make that happen… But this recipe is NOT for the faint of heart. It takes an afternoon of dedication to make this one happen… are you up for it?

Dalyn’s Tomato Ragu – aka “Awesome Sauce”

3 pounds of tomatoes (i had 14 medium sized ones)
1 large onion
3 large carrots
3 celery stalks
10 cloves of garlic (yes 10)
1 cup shredded zucchini (optional)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 – 4 teaspoons kosher salt (more to taste)
1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
5 sprigs of fresh basil
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cups white wine
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (store bought is fine)

In your food processor place the blade AND the grater on top. Throw in onion, carrots, celery, garlic (zucchini if you have it).

In a large pot or Dutch oven, line the bottom of the pot with at least 1/4 – 1/2  inch of olive oil (more is better). Rise to medium heat. When hot throw in the veggie puree, add 2 teaspoons of salt and saute for around 15 – 20 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar. Add thyme, oregano, pepper. Saute for 10 more minutes. Add white wine. Degalze for 10+ minutes.

Put a big pot of water on to boil. Core the tomatoes and score the bottoms (see pic) and place into boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds.

Remove and let cool. When cool enough – peel and puree in food processor…If you have a food mill or something that can remove the seeds – do it – if you don’t have one it’s ok.

Add tomato puree to pot and then add sugar and Parmesan cheese . Keep stirring and continue to simmer on low for around 2 hours. YES 2 HOURS. This is how you get an amazing tasting sauce…. the flavours come together amazingly. Oh and you have to go stir it every 15 minutes…
my friend called it ‘Awesome Sauce” (see her licking the bowl picture).
Takes a long time recipe – but SO WORTH IT.