Fresh Tomato Neapolitan Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs. fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or food processor (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 4 cups of sauce

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes can be substituted with canned tomatoes.
- Red wine can be substituted with beef or chicken broth.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty sauce.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter, fresher flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
- For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.

Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce over pasta, pizza, or grilled vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Neapolitan sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that originated in Naples, Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- The sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and tangy with a hint of spice.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce hot or cold as a dip, spread, or topping for your favorite dishes.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Rich, Tomato, Tomato-Y