Authentic Neapolitan Soffritto Sauce Recipe with Pork Offal and Herbs

Soffritto Napoletano: Traditional Neapolitan Sauce for Flavorful Dishes

Soffritto Napoletano is a quintessential part of the Neapolitan culinary tradition, known for its rich, savory flavor that forms the base of many beloved dishes. This hearty sauce is made with a mix of pork offal, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, creating a deeply flavorful, versatile addition to pasta, stews, and even a simple dish of bread and sauce. Let’s walk through the steps to make this delectable Neapolitan soffritto that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Ingredients for Soffritto Napoletano

Instructions for Preparing Soffritto Napoletano

1. Prepare the Pork Offal:
   Start by cutting the pork offal into large cubes, roughly 2 to 3 cm in size. Use a combination of milza (spleen), cuore (heart), fegato (liver), and polmone (lung) for an authentic taste. This mixture gives the soffritto its distinctive flavor, rich and earthy, and a texture that complements the sauce.

2. Clean the Offal:
   Once the offal is cut into pieces, transfer them to a bowl and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities. After rinsing, drain the offal well and use paper towels to gently pat it dry, absorbing any excess water. This step is important as it ensures the pieces will sear properly during cooking.

3. Heat the Oil and Lard:
   In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and lard (strutto) together over medium heat. The lard will melt and blend with the olive oil, creating a rich cooking fat base. Once the fat is hot enough, carefully add the pork offal pieces to the pan.

4. Brown the Offal:
   Stir the meat regularly, ensuring all pieces brown evenly. Sauté the offal for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. The pieces should be golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender inside.

5. Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
   While the pork offal is browning, take a separate bowl and combine the tomato paste (triple concentrate) with water. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the tomato paste completely into the water. This tomato mixture will add a rich depth to the sauce and balance the savory offal.

6. Add the Tomato and Herbs:
   Once the offal is browned, pour the prepared tomato and water mixture into the pan. Stir well to combine, ensuring the offal is coated in the tomato base. Season the sauce with the dried chili pepper (adjust the amount according to your spice preference), bay leaves, and rosemary. These herbs will infuse the soffritto with their aromatic qualities.

7. Simmer the Sauce:
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the offal to tenderize in the savory sauce.

8. Reduce the Sauce:
   After 30 minutes, remove the lid to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken. Let it cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will become more concentrated, and the offal will absorb all the delicious flavors, creating a rich and velvety consistency.

9. Final Adjustments:
   Taste the soffritto and adjust the seasoning with salt and chili pepper if necessary. The sauce should be well-seasoned, with a balance of savory, spicy, and herbal notes.

10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Your Soffritto Napoletano is now ready! This rich, flavorful sauce is perfect when served over pasta, or even as a base for stews or braises. It can also be enjoyed with fresh crusty bread for a simple, comforting meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

This recipe for Soffritto Napoletano captures the essence of Neapolitan home cooking, bringing together rich offal, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant herbs into a delicious sauce that’s perfect for enhancing any meal. The combination of olive oil and lard gives it a wonderfully rich flavor, while the long, slow simmer ensures every bite is packed with savory depth. Whether you’re preparing it for a pasta dish or as part of a larger Italian feast, this soffritto will undoubtedly elevate your cooking to new heights. Enjoy!