Chicago Style™ wrote:Italian delicatessens such as Alpine Food Shop on North Avenue west of Harlem and Nottoli on Belmont west of Harlem have great frozen pasta sauce. About $3.00 for 16 oz and $5.50 for 32 oz. Other similar places in the same general area (Riviera, Geno's, etc.) probably have frozen sauce too.

Closer to the OP in Niles, I cannot confirm the other Nottoli on Harlem near Foster (same family -- different operation), but the frozen sauce is BAD at Rex Italian Specialties on Harlem near Montrose. It's better for sandwiches and other stuff.

Right in Niles, I would check Minelli's at Oak Mill Mall. Have only been there once, so not sure if they have sauce but they do have a freezer case with other pasta-type items -- lasagna, ravioli, etc.

Agreed - on the rare occaion I have to buy it I get it from Serrelli's on North Ave.

I keep a jar around for a quick meal, even though I know I can make something from scratch better than those insipid jars.
Most of the time I end up doctoring it up with garlic and chile flakes anyway... hardly saving much effort.

I did find one recently I like quite a bit:
Mezzetta, with artichokes. Lots of olive oil flavor in the mix, and decent pieces of artichoke. "Made with Napa valley wine".
I no longer remember where I got it from or how much it cost, but I'd buy it again.

The other day I was in Valli Produce and picked up a can of Wild Porcini sauce on a whim; the label was very appealing. It was really good and was a little much for 12 ounces of spelt pasta; probably would have been perfect for 16 ounces. I was surprised how much I liked it. It didn't seem oversalty and it was very tomatoey considering the label touts the 'shrooms.

Here's a vote for Mezzetta Arrabiata or original marinara. The ingredients list starts with imported San Marzano plum tomatoes and olive oil; No tomato puree/paste, water or sugar. I am never again buying a jarred tomato sauce that lists tomato puree as their first (or any) ingredient. Sure the fat content in Mezzetta's sauce is higher, but that's cause the fat comes solely from olive oil. Typically goes for ~$6 around here, but found some on sale for $2-$2.50/bottle; Unfortunately, I'm now addicted and will either have to await the rare sale or splurge on occasion.

http://www.mezzetta.com/mm5/merchant.mv ... y_Code=nvb

I just recently used RAo's sauce which I got at Target. Can't remember what I paid but it was a lot. Maybe at least six bucks or more a jar. Good but too expensive. I usually use Newman's or Barilla.

Does anyone have any opinions on a super bargain type sauce like the ones they have at Aldi such as Grandessa or the other brand they carry that starts with an R, I think its something like Ranalli. Sauce there is under two dollars a jar.

toria wrote:
Does anyone have any opinions on a super bargain type sauce like the ones they have at Aldi such as Grandessa or the other brand they carry that starts with an R, I think its something like Ranalli. Sauce there is under two dollars a jar.

Francesco Rinaldi is quite good for jar sauce. Aldi's brand isn't that bad, in a pinch. I really like Rao's but it's almost $10 a jar by me.

http://www.francescorinaldi.com/

For a cheap but decent sauce, I like the Classico brand. It needs to be doctored up a bit, but there is no added sugar or corn syrup. It is often on sale for less than 2 bucks. I have only had the marinara type sauces (roasted garlic and onion, etc.) I cant vouch for the meat sauces or cream sauces.

-Will

I like Rinaldi too, only the ORIGINAL traditional variety though. In fact, I just made a quick large batch of 'puttanesca' sauce last night to freeze for self & culinary-challenged daughters. Took no more than 30 minutes to assemble & get in the pot:

Saute 5 cloves minced garlic in good olive oil 'til they're just starting to turn brown
Add 1 large sliced white onion, saute
Add half pound sliced mushrooms, saute
Add 1 large can Carmelina imported plum tomatoes
Add half can water
Add three-quarters cup red wine, turn on high to bubbling, cook 5 minutes
Add ground cayenne pepper to taste
Add pizza seasoning with fennel to taste (had no fresh herbs or Italian seasoning)
Add 1 more can Carmelina tomatoes
Add 2 jars Rinaldi ORIGINAL traditional sauce, stir & reduce heat to medium-high
Add 1 small jar capers, rinsed
Add 1 small can sliced black olives

Stir, check consistency. Add water or wine until it's more a gravy than a thick sauce--at least that's my personal preference. Cook on medium to a little higher heat, stirring. Should be done in about 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy!