Sicilian Heritage Pasta Sauce
Inspired by my grandmother's traditional Sicilian recipe, this rich and flavorful pasta sauce is a cherished family secret passed down through generations. Bursting with the essence of ripe San Marzano tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a splash of red wine, this sauce captures the heart and soul of Italian cooking. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy dinner at home, it pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Enjoy a taste of Sicily in every bite!
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon
sweet onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
red table wine
1 cup (dry)
crushed San Marzano tomatoes
24 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
basil
2 tablespoons (chiffonade)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
sugar
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2
Add the diced sweet onion and minced garlic, and continue to sauté until the onion becomes translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
4
Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a minimum of 45 minutes, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Towards the end of cooking, stir in the dried oregano, fresh basil, parsley, and sugar. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Serve the sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Top with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and pair it with a glass of red wine for the full Sicilian experience.
8
For additional richness, you can add cooked sausage, meat, or ribs before deglazing with wine. Alternatively, mix in a cup of ricotta and shredded mozzarella, then transfer to a baking dish and bake at 400°F until bubbling and golden.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
20g
Carbs
4g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Sicilian Heritage Pasta Sauce?
This sauce is a traditional Sicilian family recipe passed down through generations, inspired by the creator's grandmother.
What type of tomatoes are best for this sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for 24 ounces of canned crushed San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic flavor.
How long should I simmer the Sicilian Heritage Pasta Sauce?
Simmer the sauce for a minimum of 45 minutes, but you can let it cook for up to 4 hours for a deeper, richer flavor.
Can I add meat to this pasta sauce?
Yes, you can add cooked sausage, meat, or ribs to the pan before deglazing with wine to add extra richness to the sauce.
What kind of wine is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of dry red table wine to deglaze the pan.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the Sicilian Heritage Pasta Sauce?
Each serving contains 6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
Each serving contains 4 grams of protein.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one diced sweet onion.
How much garlic is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is there any spice in this Sicilian sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Add the red wine to the saucepan and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
What fresh herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh basil (chiffonade) and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use this sauce for a baked pasta dish?
Yes, you can mix the sauce with a cup of ricotta and shredded mozzarella, then bake it at 400°F until bubbling.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this Sicilian sauce.
Which cheeses are recommended for serving?
It is recommended to top the pasta with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
How much fiber is in a serving of this sauce?
The sauce contains 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the preparation method for the basil?
The basil should be prepared in a chiffonade (thin ribbons) style.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
When should I add the herbs and sugar?
Stir in the dried oregano, fresh basil, parsley, and sugar towards the end of the cooking process.
Does this sauce include tomato paste?
Yes, it uses 6 ounces of canned tomato paste.
How should I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan?
Stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers, especially if cooking for the full 4 hours.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or cozy dinners.
What temperature is used for the baked version of this recipe?
The baked variation should be cooked at 400°F.
What seasoning is used at the end?
The recipe suggests adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the primary vegetable tag for this recipe?
The primary vegetable tag associated with this recipe is tomato.
Can I use dried oregano in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.