Dynamic Spicy Italian Pepper Sauce

Imagine walking into an Italian kitchen, where the air is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of fresh peppers and tomatoes sizzling in olive oil. This is the essence of our Spicy Italian Pepper Sauce—a vibrant, zesty blend of flavors that can transform any dish. Whether you’re drizzling it over a sandwich, tossing it with pasta, or using it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread, this sauce is a game-changer.

Inspired by the bold and rustic flavors of traditional Italian cuisine, this sauce brings together a variety of peppers, from the sweet cubanelle to the fiery jalapeño, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor. It’s not just about the spice, though; the richness of tomatoes, the subtle kick of garlic and onion, and a hint of lemon all come together to make this sauce a versatile and unforgettable addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick way to elevate a simple dinner, this Spicy Italian Pepper Sauce is your go-to for adding that extra burst of flavor.

Chef’s Notes- Spicy Italian Pepper Sauce

• Pepper Prep: To achieve uniform cooking, chop the peppers into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they soften evenly and meld into the sauce seamlessly.
• Controlling Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing it. This reduces the heat without sacrificing flavor.
• Tomato Consistency: For a smoother sauce, you can blend the whole tomatoes before adding them to the skillet. Alternatively, for a chunkier texture, crush them gently with your hands or a spoon.
• Cooking Time: If you have more time, let the sauce simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld more thoroughly.
• Basil Boost: For a fresher herbaceous note, stir in some chopped fresh basil just before serving. This will add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
• Customizing Acidity: If you prefer a slightly tangier sauce, add a touch more lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar at the end of cooking.
• Oil Choice: Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the overall flavor of the sauce. If you’re substituting, ensure the oil you choose has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the sauce.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Experiment with adding vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to give the sauce additional texture and complexity.
• Serving Suggestions: This sauce is incredibly versatile—try it as a base for pizza, a topping for roasted vegetables, or mixed into a grain bowl for added flavor.
• Storage: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for future use.
• Spice Adjustment: For those who love extra heat, you can add a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the finished product.

Spicy Italian Pepper Sauce

Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this Spicy Italian Pepper Sauce! Bursting with vibrant flavors from a medley of peppers and aromatic spices, this sauce is perfect for adding a zesty kick to any dish. Inspired by the bold flavors of Italian cuisine, this recipe is simple, healthy, and customizable. Perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner, this sauce will become your new go-to condiment!

Ingredients

• Vegetables and Peppers

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 4 cubanelle peppers, chopped

• 2 red bell peppers, chopped

• 2 Hungarian wax peppers, chopped

• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced

• Tomato Base

• 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added whole tomatoes

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• Spices and Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil

• Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Olive oil substitute: Avocado oil or sunflower oil.

• Cubanelle peppers substitute: Anaheim peppers or green bell peppers.

• Hungarian wax peppers substitute: Banana peppers or serrano peppers.

• Jalapeño pepper substitute: Serrano pepper or green chili.

• Whole tomatoes substitute: Diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.

• Tomato paste substitute: Tomato puree or ketchup.

• Onion powder substitute: Freshly minced onion or shallots.

• Garlic powder substitute: Freshly minced garlic.

• Dried basil substitute: Fresh basil or dried oregano.

Directions

• Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped cubanelle peppers, red bell peppers, Hungarian wax peppers, and minced jalapeño pepper. Sauté until the peppers start to soften and break down, approximately 10 minutes.
• Stir in the no-salt-added whole tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet with the softened peppers. Mix well to combine.
• Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried basil. Stir to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
• Cover the skillet and let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Uncover the skillet and use a spoon to break up the whole tomatoes into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• large deep skillet
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 150kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 30IU
• Vitamin C: 150mg
• Calcium: 6mg
• Iron: 10mg

FAQ- Spicy Italian Pepper Sauce

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of jalapeño pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, you can omit them entirely.

What can I use as a substitute for Cubanelle peppers?

If you can’t find Cubanelle peppers, Anaheim peppers or green bell peppers are great alternatives. They have a similar mild and sweet flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add a bit more tomato paste if you prefer a heartier consistency.

What dishes pair well with this sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with pasta, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, and even as a pizza base or a dipping sauce for bread.

How can I store and reheat the sauce?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.