Catherine Scorseses Pasta Sauce Food

CATHERINE SCORSESE'S PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• In a 6-quart, or larger, saucepan or casserole, cook the onion in the oil, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
• In a blender or food processor, puree tomatoes and sauce. Add tomato mixture to pan along with water, tomato paste, garlic, carrots, potato, 3 tablespoons of basil, 3 tablespoons of parsley, salt and cayenne to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and, stirring occasionally, cook, partly covered, for 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl, soak the bread crumbs in the milk until softened.
• In a large bowl, combine bread-crumb mixture with meat, egg, Parmesan, remaining 2 tablespoons basil and parsley, salt, cayenne and 1/2 cup of sauce. Gradually shred and add meat mix to sauce, a little at a time. Partly cover, and bring sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Before serving, remove garlic cloves, carrots and potato.
• Use about 2 cups of sauce for each pound of pasta.

PASTA WITH PEAS AND SAUSAGE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan set over moderate heat, cook the onion in the oil, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook it until no longer pink. Drain, then add the tomato sauce, peas and liquid, water, salt, and pepper, and basil. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until barely tender, drain, and add to the sauce. Simmer until heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with the Parmesan.