Sicilian Charm Pasta Sauce
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Sicily with this delightful Sicilian Charm Pasta Sauce. This sauce is a perfect blend of savory anchovies, briny olives, and fresh vegetables, creating a rich and aromatic companion for your favorite pasta. The combination of hearty eggplant, sweet red peppers, and fragrant herbs like basil and parsley will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean. It's a wonderful dish to share with family or friends, bringing a touch of Italian warmth to your dining table. Whether you serve it over spaghetti, penne, or your pasta of choice, this sauce promises to elevate your meal to new heights.
4
Servings
205
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
anchovies
10 (finely chopped)
black olives
1 cup (pitted and chopped)
capers
1 tablespoon (drained)
olive oil
1/3 cup (for sautéing)
onions
2 (chopped)
eggplant
1 small (peeled and chopped)
red pepper
1 (chopped)
garlic
5 cloves (chopped)
canned tomatoes
2 cans (with juice)
sugar
2 teaspoons (for balancing acidity)
red wine
1/4 cup (for depth of flavor)
fresh basil
1 cup (chopped)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (for spiciness)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (to thicken)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions, peeled and chopped eggplant, and red pepper to the pot. Sauté until the eggplant is soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot, followed by sugar, red wine, and red pepper flakes. Use a fork to crush the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
After 45 minutes, stir in the anchovies, capers, tomato paste, chopped basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Cover the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8
Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with extra fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
5g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sicilian Charm Pasta Sauce?
Sicilian Charm Pasta Sauce is a vibrant Mediterranean sauce featuring savory anchovies, briny olives, and fresh vegetables like eggplant and red peppers.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary vegetables used in this sauce?
The main vegetables are onions, a small eggplant, and a red pepper.
How many calories are in one serving of this sauce?
There are 205 calories per serving.
How many anchovies are required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 finely chopped anchovies.
What is the total simmering time for the sauce?
The sauce simmers for a total of 50 minutes: 45 minutes uncovered and an additional 5 minutes covered.
Why is sugar added to the Sicilian Charm Pasta Sauce?
Sugar is added to balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
What herbs are included in this pasta sauce?
The sauce includes 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 5 chopped garlic cloves.
Is there wine in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of red wine is added for depth of flavor.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of pitted and chopped black olives.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 11.25g of fat.
Does the sauce contain capers?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of drained capers.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 18.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Tomato paste is used to thicken the sauce.
How much fiber does this sauce provide?
Each serving provides 5g of fiber.
Are red pepper flakes included for spice?
Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes is added for spiciness.
Should the eggplant be peeled?
Yes, the eggplant should be peeled and chopped before sautéing.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cans of tomatoes with their juice.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 3.75g of protein per serving.
When do I add the anchovies and capers?
They are stirred in after the initial 45-minute simmer.
Can I use any type of pasta with this sauce?
Yes, it pairs well with spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta choice.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of sugar.
How do I prepare the canned tomatoes during cooking?
Use a fork to crush the tomatoes into smaller pieces once they are in the pot.
Is this sauce considered part of Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized under Italian cuisine and specifically inspired by Sicilian flavors.
How long should I sauté the onions and eggplant?
Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until the eggplant is soft and onions are translucent.
What should I garnish the pasta with?
You can garnish the dish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
How many ingredients are in the Sicilian Charm Pasta Sauce?
There are 17 ingredients in total.
What temperature should I use to heat the olive oil?
The olive oil should be heated over medium-high heat until shimmering.