Penne with Tomato and Sweet Pepper Sauce (Penne Saporite “Il Frantoio”)
Several of Apulia’s ancient agricultural estates have been restored to their former grandeur and now welcome guests for meals or overnight stays. Il Frantoio (“the olive press”) near Ostuni is a delightful example.
Ingredients
Penne with Tomato and Sweet Pepper Sauce (Penne Saporite “Il Frantoio”)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, very finely chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
  • 1 small yellow or red bell pepper, cored and diced
  • 1 pound ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (5-6 tomatoes), or one 14-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 3-4 tablespoons reduced-sodium chicken broth or water
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 pound whole-wheat penne
Directions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until soft, sweet and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to release their fragrance. Add bell peppers, tomatoes and salt. Cover, adjust heat to maintain a simmer, and stew, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft, about 15 minutes.
2. Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and puree, adding broth or water as needed to make a smooth sauce. Return the sauce to the pan. Reheat gently; taste and season with salt and black pepper. Keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, cook penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, then transfer to a warm bowl. Add sauce and toss. Serve immediately on warm plates.
Nutrition Information
Per serving
Calories: 262
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Potassium: 394mg
Sodium: 53mg
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (33% daily value),Vitamin A (16% dv).
SERVES: 8
PREP TIME: 40 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes
LEVEL: Easy
MEETS THESE GUIDELINES:
Low Calorie
High Fiber
Low Sat Fat
Low Cholesterol
Low Sodium
Heart Healthy
Healthy Weight
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