Subj : Red Gravy was: Salad
To : Ruth Haffly
From : Dave Drum
Date : Sat Aug 16 2025 05:24 am
-=> Ruth Haffly wrote to Dave Drum <=-
DD> The corn is frozen and canned green chilies are pretty much a staple
DD> item in my kitchen.
RH> I'll buy the canned green chilis if I need them for something, if not,
RH> they stay in the store. Corn is a rare buy, in any form--usually if I'm
RH> making my family friendly chili for a cook off. I did have a serving of
RH> corn at a local cafeteria last week; it was canned, white corn.
DD> I, bOTOH, use them often enough to keep them handy. I like to add some
DD> "zip" to many of the things I cook. Including my red spaghetti sauce.
RH> Steve's Italian side comes thru on the red sauce that I make, from my
RH> MIL's basic recipe. One can (6 or 12 oz) tomato paste; 3 cans water;
RH> teaspoon (or 2) each of oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt;
RH> half (or 1 teaspoon) of black pepper. That was her basic; I'll add
RH> either crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, increase the herbs, cut the
RH> salt down to a quarter to half teaspoon and use fresh garlic if I have
RH> it. Combine all, cook for 2-4 (minimum of 2, can go as long as 5 or 6
RH> but keep an eye on it, may need to add a bit more water so it doesn't
RH> get too thick if you do) hours, stirring occaisionally. Steve will add
RH> red pepper at the table but the sauce is made without it. Sauce can be
RH> used for all types of pasta and, if cooked down to thick (make sure it
RH> doesn't burn!) as pizza sauce.
I can-and have - do my own red pasta or pizza sauce. I learned early on
from my mother that spaghetti sauce is an *all day* deal. Even with short
cuts it takes more time than I care to spend these days. Especially as I
am mostly cooking for one. So I buya jus of Onofrio's (probably not to
be had in your range of territory) or Rao's. Or one of the not so premium
brands like Bertolli or Classico and "tart it up" to my taste.
DD> I'm with you on most canned veg - except beans (not green beans).
DD> Corn, peas, carrots, potatoes (not soup), etc are all "off". Fresh
DD> or frozen are *much* better- both in taste and mouthfeel.
8<----- EDIT ----->8
DD> Here's a can opener soup you can serve Steve and 7 others:
RH> Looks like it can't decide if it wants to be vegetable beef soup or
RH> chili. (G) Decades ago, when I was a Brownie Scout, our troop had a
DD> Can't be chilli. No chilli spice or cumin.
RH> No, but it could be added to your version for a sort of chili.
DD> Maybe an East Coast chilli - certainly nothing I would call chilli.
RH> I've seen all kinds of wierd combinations passed off as chili,
RH> including one with sausage and pineapple.
As have I .... sigh
DD> ... "Hard work should be rewarded by good food." -- Ken Follett
RH> He's one of my favorite authors.
DD> My favourites are Heinlein, Lamour, Asimov, and lately James Lee
DD> Burke.
RH> Mine include Michener, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Alison Wier and
RH> Philippa Gregory. First 2 aren't writing any more but have books out
RH> I've yet to read. Last 2, my older daughter got me reading when she
RH> loaned me a Wier book.
None of the first three I named are above ground any longer so their
output is severely restricted. But I have read everything they have
published with the exception of Dr. Asimov's biochemistry treatises.
If you enjoy cops 'n' robbers books that are well written or just well
written/plotted/presented stories I do recommend James Lee Burke
3/4 c Chopped onion
1/2 c Chopped bell pepper
2 cl Garlic; minced
1 tb Olive oil
14 1/2 oz Can diced tomatoes
8 oz Can tomato sauce *
1 Turkish bay leaf
1 tb Snipped fresh basil
+=OR=+
1 ts Dried basil; crushed
1 tb Snipped fresh oregano
+=OR=+
1 ts Dried oregano; crushed
1 ts Fennel seed; crushed
1/2 ts Sugar (opt)
1/2 ts Red (cayenne) pepper
1/2 ts Chilli spice mix
* For a really zippy sauce use El Pato tomato sauce,
available in the Latino aisle of many markets.
Cook onion garlic and bell pepper in oil. Stir in
remaining ingredients. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat;
simmer, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes or to desired
consistency, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaf.
Makes 2 1/2 cups
Uncle Dirty Dave's Kitchen
MMMMM
... Boy: a noise with dirt on it.
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