No. 12. Neapolitan Sauce Recipe

The Cook's Decameron: A Study In Taste For Italian Dishes

Neapolitan sauce, also known as Sauce à la Néapolitaine, is a rich and flavorful sauce that originated in Naples, Italy. It is a versatile sauce that complements a variety of dishes, from meats to pasta. The sauce combines the flavors of onions, ham, butter, Marsala wine, veal, thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, mushrooms, Espagnole sauce, tomato sauce, and game stock or essence.

To begin making the Neapolitan sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of Marsala wine
- 1/4 cup of blond veal, minced
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 peppercorns
- 1 clove
- 1 tablespoon of mushroom cuttings
- 2 cups of Espagnole sauce
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of game stock or essence

Start by frying the chopped onion in butter in a saucepan until it becomes translucent. Add the bits of cut-up ham and continue cooking for a few more minutes until they have browned slightly. Pour in the Marsala wine and the blond veal, and stir to combine.

Next, add the sprig of thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, clove, and mushroom cuttings to the saucepan. Reduce the sauce by half, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

In a separate saucepan, combine the Espagnole sauce, tomato sauce, and game stock or essence. Stir well to combine. Heat the mixture over medium heat and reduce it by a third.

Once the sauce has reduced, pour the contents of the first saucepan into the second saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes to further enhance the flavors.

To achieve a smooth consistency, pass the sauce through a sieve to remove any solids and achieve a velvety texture.

Before using the Neapolitan sauce, it is recommended to warm it up in a bain-marie or a double boiler to ensure it maintains its ideal temperature.

Neapolitan sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as beef, pork, or chicken. It can also be used as a base for pasta dishes, adding a rich and flavorful element to classics like spaghetti or lasagna.

Now, let's delve into some fun facts about Neapolitan sauce:

1. Despite its name, Neapolitan sauce is not exclusive to Naples. It has gained popularity in many regions of Italy and has become a staple in Italian cuisine.

2. The use of Marsala wine adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce. Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily that can range from dry to sweet. It is commonly used in cooking to add richness and complexity to sauces and desserts.

3. Neapolitan sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to further develop, resulting in an even more delicious sauce.

4. The combination of Espagnole sauce and tomato sauce in Neapolitan sauce creates a perfect balance between rich and tangy flavors. Espagnole sauce is a classic French brown sauce made from a roux, brown stock, herbs, and tomato paste.

Similar recipe dishes that you might enjoy include Bolognese sauce, which combines ground meat with tomatoes and vegetables, and marinara sauce, a simple tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic and herbs. Both of these sauces have their own unique characteristics but share a common base with Neapolitan sauce.

In conclusion, Neapolitan sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to any dish. Its rich blend of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors that can elevate your culinary creations. Whether you use it as a topping for pasta or as a savory sauce for meats, this classic sauce is sure to impress.