Casina Rossa Puttanesca Tomato Sauce with Olives & Capers

Puttanesca Sauce is a classic, Southern Italian tomato sauce typically known for being tangy and a bit salty, due to addition of capers and olives (and in some cases anchovies). This recipe, from Casina Rossa of Abruzzo, is a sweet and savory mix of capers, olives, Italian pine nuts and raisins. Toss with roasted cauliflower or pasta, or bake rock cod fillets in a layer of sauce in a glass baking dish. Traditionally, Puttanesca Sauce is served with spaghetti, although it also goes well with penne, bucatini, linguine and orecchiette.

Legends have it that sugo alla puttanesca was created sometime in the mid-20th century by prostitutes in, or around, Naples. Wherever the origin, puttanesca sauce recipes differ from region to region, but are always tomato-based with the addition olives, capers and garlic.

Nicola DeLaurentis and his wife Paola own the artisan enterprise Casina Rossa, located near Roccascalegna, Abruzzo. They are dedicated to preserving traditional Italian food culture with their line of fine products including sauces and specialty salts.