Arrabbiata or Pomodoro Sauce
A spicy sauce for pasta made from garlic, tomatoes, and dried red pepper flakes, cooked in olive oil.
Equipment
- heavy saucepan
- kitchen knife
- cutting board
- large spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil - extra virgin
- ½ cup yellow onion - minced
- 1 tsp sea salt - more to taste
- 3 clove garlic - minced
- ½ cup basil leaves - torn, divided
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes - leave out for Pomodoro Sauce
- 28 ounce stewed whole tomatoes - San Marzano tomatoes make the best sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup beef broth - only use if necessary to thin the sauce
Instructions
- In a large, heavy bottom cast iron sauce pan, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion with a pinch of salt, and sauté until translucent.2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup yellow onion, 1 tsp sea salt
- Chop together the garlic, half of the basil, and the red pepper flakes, then add them to the pot, and sauté until aromatic.3 clove garlic, 1/2 cup basil leaves, 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Empty the can of stewed whole tomatoes into a large bowl. Crush the tomatoes with your clean hands, but leave some chunks.28 ounce stewed whole tomatoes
- Add the tomatoes to the pot, and bring to a simmer. Add the bay leaf, and partially cover with a lid. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1 hour to thicken and concentrate the flavors. Make sure to stir every 10 minutes or so to keep from burning. Add a splash of beef broth if necessary if the sauce is getting too thick to manage.1 bay leaf, 1 cup beef broth
- Turn off the flame, and adjust seasonings to your taste. Stir in the remaining basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with pasta or meats or some fresh crusty Italian bread.
Notes
The main difference between Arrabbiata and Pomodoro sauces is the addition of red pepper flakes. 'Arrabbiata' means angry. Leave out the red pepper to make a more friendly Pomodoro sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1253mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 650IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 3mg
