Sunday Sauce: A Recipe That Brings Family Together

In many Italian American households, Sunday Sauce isn’t just a meal — it’s a ritual. It’s the sound of a pot simmering for hours, the smell filling the house, and family gathering around the table with stories, laughter, and tradition.

This version of classic Sunday Sauce has been passed down through generations, with each family adding its own touch. What matters most isn’t perfection — it’s the time spent together.

Ingredients

• Olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 cloves garlic

• Crushed tomatoes or tomato purée

• Fresh basil

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: meatballs, sausage, or braciole

Directions

1. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.

2. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

3. Stir in tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

4. Simmer low and slow for at least 2 hours.

5. Add meats if desired and finish with fresh basil.

Every family does it differently, and that’s the beauty of it. If you have a recipe that’s special to your family, we’d love to share it with the community.