Italian > Modena

Cotechino Modena and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Cotechino Modena sausage (about 500g)
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (800g total)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Add the Cotechino Modena sausage to the pot and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the sausage cook for about 45 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through.

4. Remove the sausage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once it is cool enough to handle, slice it into rounds.

5. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the tomato sauce until it is smooth.

6. Return the sliced sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve the Cotechino Modena and Tomato Sauce over pasta or with crusty bread. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 800mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cotechino Modena sausage can be substituted with any other type of sausage.
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato puree.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or any other hard cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh basil or parsley to the sauce before serving.
- Use the sauce as a pizza topping instead of pasta sauce.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to remove the casing from the sausage before cooking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to puree the sauce in batches.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Cotechino Modena and Tomato Sauce in a large bowl or on individual plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs.

Garnishes:
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs.

Pairings:
Serve the sauce with a side salad and a glass of red wine.

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken it up.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked through.

Food history:
Cotechino Modena is a traditional Italian sausage from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is typically made with pork, pork rind, and spices.

Flavor profiles:
The Cotechino Modena and Tomato Sauce is savory and slightly spicy, with a rich tomato flavor and hints of garlic and herbs.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the sauce over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Rich, Hearty