pasta sauce

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca and I go way back; to culinary school, to be exact. Without getting into too many details, let me just say it involved cooking for the school’s restaurant, an all-nighter (to which I blame, my now husband), and the last-minute suggestion he made for me to run this flavorful classic as a lunch […]

Bolognese, known in Italian as ragù alla bolognese, ragù bolognese, or simply ragù is a meat-based sauce in Italian cuisine, commonly associated with the city of Bologna. But contrary to popular belief, Bolognese has no definitive tie to the city of Bologna, in northern Italy. Food historians typically agree that the dish originated in Imola, […]

This is my beef ragù with pappardelle and it is a keeper. Hearty, comfort food that’s perfect for the dead of winter. The word “ragù” comes from the French word “ragoutier,” which means “awake your appetite“.  Ragù originated as a simple meat sauce, traditionally made with leftovers, and served as accompaniment to pasta. There is evidence that […]

They say pesto sauce originated in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, Italy.  But this simple sauce can actually be traced to the ancient Romans. Romans made a very similar dish called “moretum,” a spread made of garlic, cheese, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Another influential sauce was “agliata“, a garlic sauce, common during the […]

A good classic homemade tomato sauce is the cornerstone of countless culinary creations. Its essence lies in the quality of the tomatoes. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and depth that no store-bought version can match. Good quality canned tomatoes or ripe fresh tomatoes are the heart and soul of any tomato sauce. Their […]