Cheese

Sunday Sauce with Meatballs & Sausage (LC, GF)

June  5, 2018
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0 Ratings
Photo by Brian Coppola
  • Prep time 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook time 3 hours
  • Makes 16 servings
Author Notes

I used to make the typically sweetened Sicilian version of “Sunday Sauce” for pasta, before I stopped eating sugar and started living with reduced carbs. It does not take much to convert to low carb for this recipe, and I simply do not miss the bread I used to eat. I use the chickpea-based breadcrumbs in the meatballs and I am a huge fan of the Banza brand chickpea pasta, which would remind you of a whole wheat version of pasta in its texture and favor. —Brian Coppola

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Ingredients
  • Meatballs and Sausage
  • 2 pounds sweet Italian sausage (bulk)
  • 4 ounces prosciutto (chopped)
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.75 cups chickpea bread crumbs (or your choice)
  • 4 ounces shredded parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces shredded asiago cheese
  • 2 tablespoons white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 tablespoons fennel seeds
  • 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves
  • 2 tablespoons basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 Sweet Italian sausages
  • Sauce
  • 3 28 ounce cans DOP San Marzano tomatoes
  • 2 18 ounce tomato paste
  • 4 whole roasted red peppers
  • 2 large Vidalia onions, diced
  • 4 ounces chopped prosciutto
  • 2 tablespoons basil leaves
  • 6 tablespoons minced roasted garlic
  • 4 tablespoons EVOO
  • 2 tablespoons white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves
Directions
  1. Dice and caramelize the onions in EVOO while you make the meatballs. About half way through with the onions, add the prosciutto and finish them both off.
  2. Combine all of the ingredients for the meatballs and mix well with your hands; I use a 1/3 –cup scoop to dole out 16 heaping portions onto a large baking pan lined with parchment; then I roll them into balls, spray them with EVOO and bake for 45-60 minutes at 350F under an Al foil tent (depending on their size)
  3. Set the onions and prosciutto aside. While the meatballs are cooking, make the sauce. If you have a countertop convection oven, roast the sausages (425F for 45 min, turning intermittently, then broiling at 500F for 10 minutes on each side), otherwise, wait until the oven is free.
  4. I make the sauce in two portions in a food processor (sue to space). Into the processor put half of each of the tomatoes, peppers, onion/prosciutto, paste, garlic, and seasonings. Process for about 30-45 seconds; transfer to a large saucepot. Repeat.
  5. Heat the sauce to simmer (less than medium-low heat). Add the meatballs. Cut the cooked sausages in half and add them. Simmer for 2-3 hours.
  6. Serve over a portion of pasta, or alone, topped with cheese.

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