Homemade Gnocchi - Part 1 (Sauce)

Prepare the water for cooking by adding salt and bringing it to a boil in a pot or Dutch oven.

Mix a small amount of water (about two fingers' depth) with the ground beef along with the baking soda, to help separate the meat and increase its flavor absorption capacity.

In a hot skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion.

Add the prepared ground beef to the skillet and sauté, generously incorporating the minced garlic.

Season the meat with salt and begin developing the rustic sauce by adding the coarsely chopped tomatoes.

Add oregano and crushed red pepper flakes to the sauté, mixing as the tomato sauce releases its natural juices.

Stir in a cup of wine, which adds a lot of flavor to the meat, and add a heaping tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken the sauce.