Certainly! The Cicero Spaghetti Sauce is a quick and flavorful pasta sauce that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s known for its simplicity and rich flavors, making it a popular choice for a fast and delicious meal. Here’s everything you asked for:
History:
While there isn’t a specific historical origin attributed to Cicero Spaghetti Sauce, it’s likely inspired by Italian-American cooking traditions. The sauce is named after the town of Cicero, a suburb of Chicago, which might have influenced the name. It embodies the essence of Italian cuisine by combining a few key ingredients to create a delightful pasta sauce.
Components:
The components of Cicero Spaghetti Sauce are minimal, focusing on a handful of high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce form the base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil is used for sautéing.
- Herbs: Common herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley are often used for seasoning.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s how to prepare Cicero Spaghetti Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for a minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Stir to combine with the garlic mixture.
- Season: Add a pinch of salt, ground black pepper, and your choice of dried herbs like basil and oregano. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
- Finish: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
Time Needed:
The Cicero Spaghetti Sauce can be prepared from start to finish in approximately 30 minutes. The majority of the time is spent simmering the sauce to develop its flavors.
And there you have it! Cicero Spaghetti Sauce—a quick, delicious, and history-inspired pasta sauce that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Enjoy it tossed with your favorite cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.
Sure, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Cicero Spaghetti Sauce prepared from start to finish in 30 minutes:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate Values):
- Calories: ~70 kcal
- Total Fat: ~5g
- Saturated Fat: ~0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: ~250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Dietary Fiber: ~1.5g
- Sugars: ~3g
- Protein: ~1.5g
Health Information:
- Low in calories: Cicero Spaghetti Sauce is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
- Healthy fats: The olive oil used in the sauce provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Tomato benefits: The sauce’s base ingredient, tomatoes, is rich in lycopene—an antioxidant associated with various health benefits.
- Minimal cholesterol: The sauce is cholesterol-free, which can contribute to heart health.
- Limited added sugars: Cicero Spaghetti Sauce has a modest amount of natural sugars from tomatoes, but it’s generally low in added sugars.
- Dietary fiber: The sauce contains dietary fiber from the tomatoes and herbs, aiding in digestion.
- Low sodium options: Adjusting the amount of added salt can help control sodium content, making the sauce suitable for those watching their sodium intake.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on portion size, specific ingredients used, and individual preparation methods.
