T’s Gravy i.e., Spaghetti Sauce

 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

½ lb. ground chicken or ground beef

1 package Johnsonville Sweet Italian sausage 

1 large onion, chopped fine

2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

2 large cans of whole Italian tomatoes, if possible San Marzano Tomatoes

1 small can of tomato paste

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoons dried oregano or to taste

2 tablespoons dried basil or to taste

1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds – optional*

1/2 teaspoon Penzeys Lemon Pepper

pinch red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

¼ cup fresh basil- optional

 

Put the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot and sauté onion until very tender. Add garlic and cook for just a minute, (you do not want to brown the garlic it will become bitter) next add ground chicken and sausage, cooking until ground turkey and sausage are cooked through.   If needed drain off any fat from the onion/meat mixture, then stir in all the canned tomato products, brown sugar, and spices. Then add fresh basil if desired.   Simmer for at least 4 hours.  I usually make mine in the morning and let it simmer most of the day.

This freezes very well!