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!
- 19 Mar 2025
- Cook time 65 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 6 Servings
- 7 Ingredients
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:
Instructions:
- 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.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up for about 1 minute.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Size | 170 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 40kcal | 2% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 1.47g | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 9g | 2% |
| Fiber 2.14g | 6% |
| Sugar 6g | 6% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 4.79g | 6% |
| Saturated 0.68g | 2% |
| Cholesterol 0.00mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 54ug | 6% |
| Choline 11mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B1 0.06mg | 5% |
| Vitamin B2 0.04mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B3 0.85mg | 5% |
| Vitamin B6 0.15mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B9 24ug | 6% |
| Vitamin B12 0.00ug | 0% |
| Vitamin C 20mg | 23% |
| Vitamin E 0.76mg | 5% |
| Vitamin K 10ug | 9% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 20mg | 1% |
| Copper, Cu 0.10mg | 11% |
| Iron, Fe 0.49mg | 4% |
| Magnesium, Mg 18mg | 4% |
| Phosphorus, P 44mg | 3% |
| Potassium, K 370mg | 11% |
| Selenium, Se 0.12ug | 0% |
| Sodium, Na 8mg | 1% |
| Zinc, Zn 0.30mg | 3% |
| 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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