Puttanesca Pasta

Ingredients
2 Tbls Olive Oil
1 Onion
2 Cloves Garlic
2 400G ((14.1oz) Tins Peeled Italian Tomatoes
1 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
½ tsp Black Pepper
2 tsp Italian Herbs
4 Anchovy Fillets
2 Tbls Capers
¼ Cup Pitted Black Olives

Method
1 In a deep saucepan heat olive oil over medium heat.
2 Add sliced onions and garlic and sauté until soft.
3 Add tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper and Italian herbs and sauté for 30 minutes.
4 Blend sauce using a stick blender.
5 Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan and add the anchovies.
6 Saute until they soften.
7 Add the capers and Olives and cook for 2 minutes. Add to tomato sauce and cook through.
8 Serve over pasta of your choice. I like Puttansca sauce with Spaghetti or Linguini pasta.

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Italian Tomato Sauce, Marinara Sauce

I can never have enough of this sauce. I make a large batch and freeze in small zip seal bags pushing all the air out. So useful for Bolognese, vegetable or meat lasagne, puttanesca sauce or even served with fried eggs.

ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE (NEOPOLITANA SAUCE)

INGREDIENTS
4 Tbls Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic – Crushed
800g Italian Tinned Tomatoes
½ Cup White Wine – Optional
1 Large Yellow Onion – Peeled And Chopped
½ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
1 Tsp Salt
1 tsp Sugar
1 tbls Italian Herbs – Rubbed Between Your Hands To Release The Flavours

METHOD
1. In a large pot heat the oil and add the onion & garlic. Do not brown the garlic as it goes bitter when browned.
2. When the onion is translucent add the tomatoes, sugar, salt & pepper, wine and mixed herbs.
3. Simmer for 45 minutes with the lid off. Stirring occasionally.
4. When cool freeze portions in zip lock bags.
5. This is a basic Neapolitana sauce. Use it as a base for pasta with vegetables either sautéed or grilled.
6. Can add a touch of cream for a Rose sauce.
7. Can also be used when making Chicken or Beef or Vegetable lasagna.

Marinated cheese salad

IMG_5240This is delicious served with crisp flat bread or focaccia  and white wine in the summer. Due to it being marinated it will keeps for ages in the refrigerator.

INGREDIENTS
2 balls firm mozzarella cheese – cubed
250 grams feta cheese – rinsed and cubed
1/2 cup pitted black olives – cut in half
3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes – sliced into 1/3rds
3 cloves garlic – crushed
5 whole chillies – red or green
3/4 cup pecan nuts – broken in half and added when serving
Fresh basil leaves for decorating

DRESSING
1 cup oil -not extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt

METHOD
1. Place all ingredients into a large rectangular plastic container with a lid.
2. Pour over the dressing.
3. Leave to marinade for a few days.
4. Decorate with fresh basil and pecan nuts before serving.