If you love tomato sauce, you might be wondering what are the subtle differences between pomodoro, arrabiata, marinara, and tomato sauce. These are all delicious sauces that can be used for pasta, pizza, soups, or dipping bread, but they have some variations in their origins, ingredients, and flavors. Let me tell you more about them!
Pomodoro sauce is a simple and quick tomato sauce that usually contains garlic, olive oil, basil, and onion. The name pomodoro means “tomato” in Italian, and this sauce is all about highlighting the freshness and sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Pomodoro sauce is widely used in Italy, especially in Naples, where it might have originated in the 1800s. Sauté onion and add to our Mother sauce to make Pomodoro.
Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy tomato sauce that has chili peppers as its main ingredient. The name arrabbiata means “angry” in Italian, and this sauce is sure to make your mouth tingle with heat. Arrabbiata sauce comes from the central Lazio region of Italy, particularly Rome, where it is often served with penne pasta. Add a couple of pic es of crushed red pepper to our Marinara to make Arrabbiata.
Marinara sauce is a thicker and chunkier tomato sauce that has garlic, red pepper, and basil. The name marinara means “sailor’s style” in Italian, and there are different theories about its origin. Some say it was a sauce that sailors could make with ingredients that lasted long on sea voyages, while others say it was a sauce that was cooked by the sea in Naples. Marinara sauce is more common in Italian-American cuisine than in Italy, where it is mostly used as a pizza topping or a pasta sauce only in Naples.
Tomato sauce is a general term that can refer to any of these sauces or others that are based on tomatoes. Tomato sauce can have different consistencies, flavors, and ingredients depending on the recipe and the preference of the cook. Tomato sauce is versatile and can be used for many dishes. Our Mother sauce is the base for our tomato sauces. You can add cream for a pink sauce, rosemary for cacciatore, or use it as a soup base.
I hope this helps you understand the subtle differences between pomodoro, arrabiata, marinara and tomato sauce. They are all wonderful sauces that can enhance your meals with their rich and savory taste.
Mangiamo!
