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Napoletana sauce

Napoletana sauce
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Authentic Napoletana sauce is a vibrant, tomato-based sauce from Naples, Italy, celebrated for its simple ingredients and rich, satisfying flavor. Perfectly suited for pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes, this fresh, aromatic sauce combines ripe plum tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and basil to create a versatile and healthy staple. Easy to make and ideal for batch cooking, it brings the unmistakable southern Italian flair right to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6–8 fresh plum tomatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 8–10 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Tomatoes: Gently blanch fresh plum tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds until the skin loosens. Remove them, let cool, peel off the skins, and roughly chop to release their juicy sweetness for the sauce base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onion (if using) and sauté until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn the garlic to maintain a rich, aromatic foundation.
  3. Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes to the pan, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce gently simmer for 20-30 minutes to thicken and concentrate the flavors naturally.
  4. Season and Add Herbs: When the sauce is rich and smooth, season with sea salt and, if desired, red chili flakes. Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving to keep their bright, herbaceous aroma intact.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, high-quality plum tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly to deepen flavors without losing freshness.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its vibrant aroma and color.
  • Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness and enhance its natural sweetness.
  • Adjust salt and chili flakes gradually, tasting frequently for balanced seasoning.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to retain the sauce’s delicate texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Napoletana sauce, Italian tomato sauce, Neapolitan sauce, pasta sauce, authentic Italian, gluten free, easy tomato sauce

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/napoletana-sauce/