Italian Sauces > Tomato Sauces > Spicy Sauces

Spicy Tomato and Olive Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, chopped olives, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan.
5. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Add the chopped parsley and stir to combine.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 2 cups of sauce, which is enough for 4 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 470mg
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
- If you don't have kalamata olives, you can use any other type of pitted olives.
- You can use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley.

Variations:
- Add some chopped capers to the sauce for extra brininess.
- Use this sauce as a pizza sauce or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
- Add some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a heartier meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when adding the red pepper flakes, as they can make the sauce very spicy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to puree the sauce in batches.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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 or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Garnishes:
Garnish the sauce with some chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with any type of pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve this sauce with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add some water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too spicy, you can add some sugar or honey to balance out the heat.

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

Food history:
Tomato sauce has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. Olives are also commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
This sauce is tangy, salty, and spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

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Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Umami, Salty