Napoletana sauce

Discover the authentic taste of Italy with our Napoletana sauce recipe. Made with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato puree, a hint of sugar, and aromatic bay leaves, this sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and more. Enjoy the rich, traditional flavors in just a few simple steps!

  • 17 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 65 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Napoletana sauce

Napoletana sauce is a classic Italian sauce known for its simplicity and rich flavor. Made with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from sugar, this sauce forms the base for many traditional Italian dishes. Whether you’re serving it over spaghetti, using it as a pizza sauce, or incorporating it into your favorite recipes, this Napoletana sauce will elevate your culinary creations.

Ingredients:

6 tomatoes
780g
2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 onion
160g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 tbsp tomato puree
16g
1 tsp sugar
5g
2 bay leafs
1.20g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- If desired, peel, de-seed, and chop the tomatoes for a smoother sauce, or leave them as they are for a chunkier texture.
2. Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up for about 1 minute.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, allowing them to release their juices and combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate the Tomato Puree and Seasonings:
- Mix in the tomato puree and sugar. Stir well to dissolve the puree and evenly distribute the sugar.
- Add the bay leaves to the saucepan.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add salt or pepper if desired, although the recipe does not call for it.
7. Remove Bay Leaves and Serve:
- Once the sauce has reached the desired thickness, remove the bay leaves.
- Your Napoletana sauce is now ready to be served! It can be used immediately with pasta, as a base for other dishes, or stored in the refrigerator for later use.

Tips:

- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before cooking or use an immersion blender once the sauce is cooked.

- Using fresh, ripe tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly.

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period to allow more liquid to evaporate.

- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning based on your personal preference.

- Consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.

- You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.

With these straightforward steps and quality ingredients, you’ll have a Napoletana sauce that’s bursting with authentic Italian flavors. This versatile sauce can be stored for later use, making it an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size170 grams
Energy
Calories 40kcal2%
Protein
Protein 1.47g1%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 9g2%
Fiber 2.14g6%
Sugar 6g6%
Fat
Fat 4.79g6%
Saturated 0.68g2%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 54ug6%
Choline 11mg2%
Vitamin B1 0.06mg5%
Vitamin B2 0.04mg3%
Vitamin B3 0.85mg5%
Vitamin B6 0.15mg9%
Vitamin B9 24ug6%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 20mg23%
Vitamin E 0.76mg5%
Vitamin K 10ug9%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 20mg1%
Copper, Cu 0.10mg11%
Iron, Fe 0.49mg4%
Magnesium, Mg 18mg4%
Phosphorus, P 44mg3%
Potassium, K 370mg11%
Selenium, Se 0.12ug0%
Sodium, Na 8mg1%
Zinc, Zn 0.30mg3%
Water
Water 150g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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