Are you looking for a flavorful and spicy sauce to liven up your pasta or pizza? Look no further than Arrabbiata sauce! With just 90 calories in half a cup (120 ml), this tomato-based sauce is packed with flavor and can add a kick to any dish.

Arrabbiata sauce gets its spicy kick from red chili flakes and garlic, but can also be customized with other ingredients for added depth of flavor. Additionally, it's a low-fat and low-sugar option compared to other sauces, making it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Arrabbiata sauce - from its ingredients and health benefits to how to use it in recipes and store it properly.

What is Arrabbiata sauce?

Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce originating from the Lazio region of Italy. The name Arrabbiata actually means 'angry' in Italian, referring to the spicy flavor of the sauce. Traditionally, Arrabbiata sauce contains just a few key ingredients - tomatoes, garlic, red chili flakes, and olive oil - but it can be customized with other ingredients and spices depending on personal preference. Arrabbiata sauce is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

The ingredients of Arrabbiata sauce

As previously mentioned, the base ingredients of Arrabbiata sauce are tomatoes, garlic, red chili flakes, and olive oil. However, additional ingredients can be added for more depth of flavor Other common ingredients in Arrabbiata sauce include onion, basil, oregano, and parsley. Some recipes may also include pancetta or bacon for added umami flavor. Arrabbiata sauce is typically a vegan and vegetarian-friendly option, but some recipes may include anchovies or cheese.

Health benefits of Arrabbiata sauce

Arrabbiata sauce can offer some health benefits compared to other sauces due to its low fat and sugar content. Additionally, garlic - a key ingredient in Arrabbiata sauce - has been linked with several health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Tomatoes - another main ingredient in Arrabbiata sauce - are rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, which has been linked with reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. However, it's important to note that store-bought Arrabbiata sauce may contain added sodium and preservatives. To minimize this, consider making your own Arrabbiata sauce at home.

How to use Arrabbiata sauce in recipes?

Arrabbiata sauce can be used in a variety of pasta dishes, such as penne all'arrabbiata, rigatoni all'arrabbiata, or linguine all'arrabbiata. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for bread or as a topping for pizza. To use Arrabbiata sauce in a recipe, cook your desired pasta until al dente and reserve some of the pasta cooking water. Heat the Arrabbiata sauce in a separate pan, adding the reserved pasta water to thin it out if needed. Once heated, combine the sauce and pasta and serve. Arrabbiata sauce can also be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu, or as a base for a spicy tomato soup.

Can you make Arrabbiata sauce at home?

Yes! Making Arrabbiata sauce at home is easy and allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking. Here is a basic recipe to get you started: Ingredients: Directions: Drain the tomatoes and crush them in a large bowl using your hands. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add the garlic and red chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant, then add the crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to store Arrabbiata sauce?

Arrabbiata sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you have a lot of leftover sauce, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Arrabbiata sauce serving size

The standard serving size for Arrabbiata sauce is 1/2 cup (120 ml). However, this can vary depending on the recipe or dish it is being used in. To minimize calorie intake, consider portioning out your Arrabbiata sauce with a measuring cup or spoon to ensure you're not overdoing it.

Calories and nutrients in Arrabbiata sauce

Half a cup (120ml) of Arrabbiata sauce contains roughly 90 calories, 4g of fat, 12g of carbohydrates, 7g of sugar, and 2g of protein. Additionally, Arrabbiata sauce is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and potassium.

Arrabbiata sauce as a low-calorie condiment

If you're looking for a low-calorie condiment to add to your meals, Arrabbiata sauce can be a great option. With just 90 calories per half a cup (120 ml), it's a lighter choice than many other sauces and dressings. To add flavor to your meals without the added calories, consider using Arrabbiata sauce as a salad dressing or dipping sauce for vegetables or grilled meats.

Is Arrabbiata sauce vegan?

By default, Arrabbiata sauce is typically vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. However, some recipes may include ingredients such as anchovies or cheese, so it's important to check the specific recipe before consuming if you follow a vegan diet.