Pour the olive oil in a saucepan and place over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and chopped bacon. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the brown sugar, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and chopped thyme. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the port wine, beef stock, and tomato sauce. Increase heat to medium-high to bring to a boil. Then simmer for 40-45 minutes.
Strain the sauce over a bowl with a fine strainer.
Use a degreasing cup to remove the grease from the sauce.
Pour the strained and degreased sauce into a sauce pan and reduce by 1/2 over medium heat.
Salt and pepper to taste and the sauce is ready to be serve!
Chef’s Tips:
If you don’t have a degreaser cup, place the strained sauce in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours. The fat at the top will harden and you can then remove it with a slotted spoon.
If you like a thicker sauce, increase cooking time by 3-5 minutes. You can also thicken with a teaspoon of butter mixed with 1 teaspoon of flour. Add to the boiling sauce while stirring well for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat.
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped bacon
1/2 teaspoon C&H Dark Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, loosely packed or 1 teaspoon dry thyme
2 cups port wine
1 cup beef stock
1/2 cup tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste