Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
7. Return the sauce to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cook the sauce over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing
- Low heat for simmering and cooking the sauce
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 4 cups of sauce, or enough for 8 servings.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but you will need to peel and chop them first.
- You can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use any type of hard cheese instead of Parmesan, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty version.
- Add chopped fresh basil or parsley to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use the sauce as a pizza topping instead of a pasta sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the sauce, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne.
- Garnish the sauce with chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
- Serve the sauce with a side of garlic bread or a salad.
Pairings:
- This sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Alfredo, or shrimp scampi.
- It also pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.
- If the sauce is too salty, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to dilute it.
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 or freezer within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Neapolitan sauce is a traditional Italian tomato sauce that originated in Naples, Italy.
- It is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, and is often served with pasta.
Flavor profiles:
- This sauce has a rich and creamy texture, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
- The herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the sauce, while the heavy cream gives it a luxurious mouthfeel.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce in a large bowl or platter, with the pasta arranged on top.
- Garnish the sauce with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
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Region: Italian