What is Arrabbiata Sauce and How to Make It?

1 cup or 140 grams of arrabbiata sauce contains 140 calories, 7 g fat, 800 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.

The sauce in Italian is referred to as sugo all'arrabbiata; the term arrabbiata here literally means angry. This is due to the addition of chili pepper, which makes it quite hot and angry.

The sauce originated in Rome, and is usually served as a part of a main course, especially over steaming pasta (penne). It also goes well with other food items like meat, seafood, bread in sandwiches, and pizzas.

The main ingredients in this sauce comprise tomatoes, red chili/chili flakes, garlic, and some olive oil. A seasoning of basil, oregano, and parsley is often added to enhance the flavor of this tangy-hot sauce. Some of the homemade versions also prefer adding finely chopped onions and even balsamic vinegar.

Enough talk! Let's move on to the method to prepare this yummy sauce.

• 1 tsp chili flakes (add more if you want it hot)
• 1 tbsp dried basil leaves, fresh chopped
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar (substitute)
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Mix equal parts of molasses/brown rice syrup and lemon juice as per the quantity you require. Add a dash of dark soy sauce to the mixture, and lo! Your balsamic vinegar substitute is ready. Add this to the arrabbiata sauce or any other recipe that requires balsamic vinegar.

✦ Add tomatoes to boiling water and let them cook for 4 - 5 minutes. Once done, peel them and make a tomato puree using a blender, and keep it aside.

✦ Now, heat the olive oil in a saucepan, and add the sliced garlic (adding garlic to the cold olive oil and then heating would extract a better flavor out of it) and onion. Sauté for 2 - 3 minutes on high heat, then add the pureed tomatoes to the pan, and stir to combine.

✦ Add the balsamic vinegar, chili flakes, oregano, and black pepper to taste, and stir constantly, bringing the mixture to a boil. Let it cook uncovered for another 8 - 10 minutes.

✦ Stir in the basil and serve over hot penne or any pasta of your choice. Add some grated Parmesan cheese over it and enjoy!

The ingredients for the sauce remain the same. However, the process of cooking is slightly different. You'll need half pound of shrimp for two servings. Check out the steps.

✦ You could use spaghetti in this recipe, as it would complement the shrimp nicely. Cook the spaghetti or any other desired pasta as per the instructions on the packet. If you are using spaghetti, remember that it takes comparatively less time to cook than other types of pasta. Overcooking would make it sticky, and would ruin its silky texture.

✦ Peel and devein the shrimp, and wash them thoroughly.

✦ Begin with cooking the shrimp in 2 tbsp hot olive oil. Do use a non-stick pan or skillet. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes on both sides, and transfer them to another bowl.

✦ Now, cook the sauce as per the above instructions. When the sauce begins to boil, add the shrimp and cook uncovered for 8 - 10 minutes on a medium flame.

✦ Serve over the cooked spaghetti.

✦ You'll have to begin with making the pizza dough. For the topping, you'll need the sauce, 75 grams shredded mozzarella, 200 grams of cherry tomatoes, onion rings, jalapeños, 150 grams sausages (beef/chicken/pork) sliced, and pizza seasoning.

✦ Once you have the dough ready, roll it into a thick base. Place a baking tray in the oven, and preheat it to 500°F. Meanwhile, give a thick coat of the prepared arrabbiata sauce to the rolled pizza base, and spread the sausages, cherry tomatoes (sliced), onion rings, and jalapeños over it.

✦ Next, top the veggies and meat with seasoning (chili flakes and oregano), and the shredded mozzarella cheese. If any of the arrabbiata sauce remains, sprinkle it over the pizza.

✦ Bake on 500°F for about 10 - 12 minutes, or until the crust is brown.

✦ Enjoy the 'Pizza Arrabbiata' along with a chilled beer!

You must be quite hungry already! Try making the sauce and the two accompanying recipes. You could also use the sauce to discover new recipes of your own, or enhance its taste by adding some secret ingredient.