Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the crushed tomatoes over medium heat until simmering.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the saucepan and stir to combine.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the sauce until smooth.
6. Return the saucepan to the heat and add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil.
7. Stir the sauce until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for simmering, low heat for adding ingredients and simmering.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4 cups of sauce, serving size varies depending on the dish.
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1/2 cup):
Calories: 200
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 56mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with canned whole tomatoes that have been blended until smooth.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half and half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.
- Use this sauce as a base for pizza or as a dip for breadsticks.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer after blending.
Storage instructions:
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce over pasta, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or as a pizza sauce.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sauce with additional chopped fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with pasta, breadsticks, or pizza.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve this sauce with a side salad or garlic bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer over low heat until it thickens.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Food history:
Neapolitan sauce is a traditional Italian tomato sauce that originated in Naples, Italy.
Flavor profiles:
This sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this sauce over pasta, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or as a pizza sauce.
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Region: Italian