Orecchiette with tomato sauce and strong ricotta
The tomato sauce that is prepared by hand for the winter season is, in Puglia, a real institution. Here, even today, tomatoes are grown several times starting from June, and subsequently, from the end of July onwards, the rite of the sauce begins. Whole families wake up at dawn to give life to the production of the sauce and everyone, from the largest to the smallest, is assigned a specific role. In the end, the steaming bottles are put away in anticipation of the cold season, where they will give life to many succulent dishes, just like these orecchiette with strong ricotta. Buying an Apulian product, such as sauce and orecchiette, now gives us the opportunity to recreate exactly that type of atmosphere and flavors. The sauce, the ricotta forte, the same orecchiette, which previously used to be made by hand, can now be purchased from Puglia. To create a lunch that, just like in Puglia, always tastes like a party.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Prepare the sauce by frying a little finely chopped white onion, the rustic tomato sauce and a few leaves of fresh basil. Season with salt. Separately cook the orecchiette al dente. Meanwhile, take the sauce and add two or three tablespoons of ricotta forte, mixing very well so that it melts. Season the pasta with the prepared sauce and serve hot. Serve with a good glass of Red Primitivo PGI wine.
Step by step
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Cook the pasta in boiling salted water
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Season with salt and add the basil
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Take a little sauce and melt the strong ricotta in it -
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Pour the ricotta sauce into the rest of the sauce
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Drain, season and serve the orecchiette with tomato and strong ricotta
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Additional information
Orecchiette with Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Forte and Potatoes
A delicious variation of the classic orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta forte is the addition of potatoes. This preparation involves boiling the potatoes, cutting them into cubes, and adding them to the sauce during cooking. The potatoes, in addition to making the dish more substantial, give a creamy consistency to the sauce, creating a perfect harmony among the various ingredients. The contrast between the sweetness of the potatoes and the strong flavor of the ricotta forte enriches every bite, making this variation an ideal dish for a family lunch. Serve the orecchiette with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a final touch of freshness.
Orecchiette with Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Forte in the Apulian Style
The orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta forte in the Apulian style is a classic of regional cuisine. Here, the preparation follows tradition, using fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as rustic tomato puree and local ricotta forte. This dish stands out for its authentic flavor, thanks to the use of fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. In Puglia, it is common to serve orecchiette with a side of seasonal vegetables, such as turnip tops, to complete the meal. Pairing it with a good Apulian red wine, like Primitivo, further enhances the flavors, creating a truly rich and satisfying culinary experience.
Orecchiette with Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Forte Light
For those who desire a lighter preparation, orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta forte can be made in a light version. It is possible to substitute ricotta forte with low-fat cow's ricotta while still maintaining a good flavor. Additionally, one can opt for a tomato puree without added sugars and reduce the extra virgin olive oil. This version retains the taste of the original dish but with a lower caloric intake, making it ideal even for those following a controlled diet. Don't forget to enrich the dish with spices like oregano or chili pepper to add a touch of personality without adding calories.
Orecchiette with Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Forte: Nutritional Benefits
Orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta forte is not only a tasty dish but also nutritious. Orecchiette, being semolina pasta, provides complex carbohydrates essential for energy. The tomato puree is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can contribute to heart health and protection against certain cancers. Ricotta forte, rich in protein, provides calcium and other important nutrients. On average, a serving of orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta forte contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the portions and ingredients used. This combination of ingredients makes the dish not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced.
Can Orecchiette with Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Forte Be Frozen?
A common question concerns the possibility of freezing orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta forte. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze this dish, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the orecchiette and the sauce separately to better preserve the consistency of the pasta. After cooking the orecchiette al dente, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. The tomato sauce can be frozen in portions, making it easier for later use. To defrost, simply leave them in the refrigerator for a few hours or use the microwave. Once reheated, the orecchiette can be tossed again with the sauce and enjoyed as if they were freshly prepared.