If you’ve read any of my earlier blogs, I have, what I think, is a pretty good Sunday Sauce recipe. But let’s face it – we don’t always have time to make a sauce that bubbles all day on the stove. Sometimes, you have to reach for something from your own pantry – that’s quick and easy. But typically quick and easy doesn’t equate to yum and delicious.
Well – say hello to Rao’s (pronounced RAY-OH’s) Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce. It is THE best jarred sauce out there. Hands down. It truly tastes like you made this all day long. Rao’s has a pretty interesting history though.
The first Rao’s restaurant opened in 1896 in New York City – Harlem to be exact. It’s still there today – although good luck ever getting a table. It’s tiny and I think you have to know someone who knows someone to be able to get a seat. Nowadays, Rao’s can be found in Las Vegas and Los Angeles too.
Now, when you see this gem of a product on your supermarket shelf – you may indeed have a little sticker shock. It ain’t cheap. A 24 ounce bottle will run you about $8 or more. But it’s so, so worth it. Honestly, nothing else out there compares. There are several varieties – Marinara, Vodka, 4 Cheese, Roasted Garlic, Arrabbiata, Artichoke, Bolognese, Roasted Eggplant, Italian Sausage & Mushroom, Puttanesca and Garden Vegetable. There are even some white varieties – Alfredo and Roasted Garlic Alfredo along with some Pizza sauces. But my recommendation is the Tomato Basil. Simple and complex at the same time – it will compliment anything you decide to pair with it.
If you have trouble finding it your local store – you can always purchase online at raos.com
Mangia!
