In order to create the perfect Italian meal, you’ll need to know how to blend the different ingredients together seamlessly. Decades of experimentation have led to some of the most world-renowned Italian recipes in all of cuisine. Those who have looked at our menu before have seen various noteworthy examples, including our very own penne puttanesca! It’s a variation of a classic Italian dish in spaghetti alla puttanesca, which is noteworthy for its unique sauce preparation. If you want to learn more about puttanesca sauce and what makes it popular, we’ll tell you everything you need to know below!
Origins of Puttanesca Sauce
Many Italian recipes and ingredients have origins that are almost romantic. However, some aren’t as cheerful – although they all yielded delicious results! Puttanesca sauce falls into the latter of the two categories. Those that are fluent in Italian may know what puttanesca roughly translates to, which is “in the style of the whore”. The reason why this sauce has such an odd origin is still hotly debated. Some say it’s because of the sauce’s powerful aroma, while others think that the intense aroma would lure men from the streets into brothels. Regardless of its cloudy origins, puttanesca sauce is immensely popular for a reason!
Ingredients of Puttanesca Sauce
Every restaurant’s version of puttanesca sauce is going to be slightly different, but some basic ingredients are consistent across all of the variants. When you look at your traditional puttanesca sauce, you can expect to find capers, garlic, olives, tomatoes, anchovies, onions, and various herbs and spices. The most popular garnishes you’ll find for puttanesca sauce include oregano, basil, and parsley. It should give you a good idea of how aromatic the sauce is, as many of the ingredients boast strong scents themselves! Puttanesca sauce is spicy and savory, adding a unique touch to many pasta dishes.
What Makes Puttanesca Sauce Popular?
The enticing aroma and delicious flavors of puttanesca sauce aren’t the only things that make it so noteworthy in Italian cooking! Most at-home chefs prefer to use recipes and sauces that are easy to make, and puttanesca sauce falls into this category. It can also be used for a wide variety of different dishes! Besides our penne puttanesca and the spaghetti variant of it, puttanesca sauce can be used as a sauce for chicken and fish or even as a filling for lasagna dishes!
Italian Delights at Trattoria Il Panino
If you’re looking for the most delicious Italian options out there, Trattoria Il Panino gives you the full experience! We’ve carefully crafted our entire establishment, from the ambiance to the delicious meal options and the drink selection, to replicate an authentic Italian dining experience perfectly. You don’t need to go to Italy to get the best of their cuisines – make a reservation at Trattoria Il Panino to get the same experience in Boston!