Hot Italian Pasta Sauce Recipes, Types, and Uses
Italian cuisine is known for its delicious and flavorful sauces, from the classic tomato-based marinara to the rich and creamy alfredo. However, one lesser-known but equally delicious sauce that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Italian hot sauce.
Italian hot sauce, also known as salsa piccante or peperoncino, is a spicy condiment made from a blend of chili peppers, vinegar, salt, and sometimes garlic and herbs. It can range in heat level from mild to extra-hot, depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used.
One popular type of Italian hot sauce is Calabrian hot sauce, which is made from a variety of small red chili peppers known as peperoncino calabrese. These peppers are grown in the southern region of Calabria and are known for their intense heat and fruity flavor. Calabrian hot sauce is often made with just a few simple ingredients, including peperoncino peppers, olive oil, and sometimes garlic or herbs.
Another popular Italian hot sauce is Arrabbiata sauce, which is a spicy tomato-based sauce that is typically served with pasta. Arrabbiata sauce gets its heat from red pepper flakes and is often made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like parsley and basil. The name "arrabbiata" means "angry" in Italian, which is fitting for this fiery sauce.
Italian hot sauce can be used in a variety of ways, from adding a kick to pasta dishes and pizzas to spicing up soups, stews, and marinades. It can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meats. Some people even enjoy adding a few drops to their morning eggs or avocado toast for a spicy breakfast.
If you're looking to try Italian hot sauce, you can find it at many specialty food stores or online. Some popular brands include Tutto Calabria, Casa Firelli, and Coluccio.
Italian hot sauces can add a delicious kick to a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to grilled meats. Here are three recipes featuring Italian hot sauces, each with a different heat level to suit your taste preferences.
Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
Arrabbiata sauce is a classic Italian pasta sauce that gets its heat from red pepper flakes. This recipe features the addition of Calabrian hot sauce for an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 28 oz can of San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp Calabrian hot sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes and Calabrian hot sauce and cook for another minute.
- Add the can of San Marzano tomatoes, using a wooden spoon to break them up. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil.
Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy the spicy kick of this delicious Arrabbiata sauce.
Spicy Meatballs
These spicy meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, with a mix of ground beef and spicy Calabrian hot sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp Calabrian hot sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Calabrian hot sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Serve these spicy meatballs with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Spicy Pizza
Pizza is a classic Italian dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings. This recipe features the addition of spicy Calabrian hot sauce to give your pizza an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tbsp Calabrian hot sauce
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Roll out pizza dough onto a floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle Calabrian hot sauce over the pizza and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Slice and serve this spicy pizza for a delicious and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, Italian hot sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a spicy kick to any dish. Whether you prefer the fruity heat of Calabrian hot sauce or the bold flavor of Arrabbiata sauce, there's an Italian hot sauce out there for everyone to enjoy. So why not spice up your next meal with a dash of this flavorful sauce? Check out Supermarket Italy's Italian hot sauce collection and add them to your cart next time you're shopping.