Grandpa Matty’s Sunday Sauce & Mary Immaculata’s Mini Spinach Ricotta Pies
Justin Brannan, District 43:
Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach
Grandpa Matty’s Sunday Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 of a small onion, finely chopped
2 cans of tomato paste (6 oz. size)
2 cans of Italian plum tomatoes (28 oz. size)
A few basil leaves
Frozen “meatless” meatballs
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Locatelli brand grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Directions
Brown the onion in a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan. Be careful, don’t burn the onions!
Turn off heat and have two 6 oz. cans of tomato paste ready to add to pot. Fill each can with water and add to pot. Stir and turn on heat again.
Bring to a quick boil and then lower the heat to simmer.
Add two 28 oz. cans of some good Italian plum tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt & pepper and in a few basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy. Stir and then cover the pot.
Allow it to cook on low/medium heat for about two hours. Don’t rush it!
If you wish, add your favorite brand of frozen “meatless” meatballs during the last half hour of cooking. Don’t forget to turn off the heat when done.
Boil your favorite pasta. Add sauce. Top with the Locatelli for the full experience.
Mangia bene!
Mary Immaculata’s Mini Spinach Ricotta Pies
Ingredients
1 lb. frozen chopped spinach
2 large eggs
16 oz. ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Locatelli brand grated Pecorino Romano cheese
3-5 tablespoons Italian flavored bread crumbs
Salt and pepper
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°
Cook one package of frozen chopped spinach. Drain well in a colander, squeezing out excess liquid and set aside.
Beat two large eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
Add 16 oz. of ricotta to the eggs. Blend well. Add the drained spinach and 1/2 cup of the Locatelli. (Any parmesan or romano cheese will work well too).
Add the spinach and blend the mixture together with a few tablespoons of Italian flavored bread crumbs. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Use either a mini muffin or regular size muffin pan. The minis are ideal for appetizers and the regular size makes a hearty side dish. Alternatively, you can also use a pie dish to make one large pie.
Grease pan if it’s not non-stick and spread the mixture evenly.
Bake at 350° for about 20-30 minutes or until cooked through and slightly browned on top. Test with a toothpick to make sure they are done.
Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Mangia bene!