The origins of this sauce are obscured in legend and lore. In Italian,
salsa puttanesca literally means "harlot's sauce" and was thought to be
a favorite meal of prostitutes because it was nourishing--and quick to
make. Another source implies that it was a favorite sauce of married
ladies who were having an affair; they would come home late and make
this rich sauce which smelled as though it had been cooking all day. It
can be served over your favorite pasta; or, spread it on Italian bread,
top with parmesan cheese, and broil it for a hearty sandwich.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup onion, minced
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
6 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup chopped black olives
2 tablespoons fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1 tablespoon crushed red New Mexican chile
1 cup beef or chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet and saute the garlic, onion, and
capers for 2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and saute for 1 minute.
Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the stock and salt and pepper,
and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and add 1/2 cup of the stock
and stir. Cover and simmer 15 minutes; stir again and add more stock if
the mixture starts getting too thick. Simmer, uncovered, for another 15
minutes. The mixture should be slightly thick and chunky.
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