What Does Italy Call Spaghetti Sauce?
When it comes to Italian cuisine, spaghetti sauce is a staple. However, you may be surprised to learn that Italians don’t actually call it “spaghetti sauce.”
The term “spaghetti sauce” is commonly used in the United States and other English-speaking countries, but in Italy, it goes by a different name.
The Traditional Italian Name
In Italy, spaghetti sauce is known as “ragù.” Ragù is a meat-based sauce that typically includes ingredients such as ground beef or pork, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices.
It’s a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes like spaghetti.
Regional Variations
It’s important to note that just like with many Italian dishes, there are regional variations of ragù throughout Italy. Each region has its own unique twist on the recipe, resulting in different flavors and ingredients being used. For example:
- Bolognese: This is perhaps the most well-known variation of ragù outside of Italy. Originating from the city of Bologna in northern Italy, Bolognese ragù typically includes ground beef or veal, pancetta or bacon, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, milk or cream, and red wine. It’s a thick and hearty sauce often served with tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta.
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Napoletana: Hailing from Naples in southern Italy, Napoletana ragù features tomatoes as the star ingredient.
It’s made with tomatoes (either fresh or canned), onions, garlic, olive oil, basil or oregano, and sometimes includes a touch of red chili flakes for a bit of heat. This sauce is commonly paired with spaghetti or penne pasta.
- Sicilian: Sicilian ragù is a bit different from the others as it often includes ingredients such as eggplant, olives, capers, and sometimes even cocoa powder. This unique combination of flavors gives the sauce a distinct taste that pairs well with short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
Other Names for Spaghetti Sauce
It’s worth mentioning that ragù is not the only name used for spaghetti sauce in Italy. In some regions, it may also be referred to as “sugo.”
Sugo is a more general term for any type of pasta sauce and can encompass various ingredients and flavors.
In Conclusion
So, the next time you’re enjoying a delicious plate of spaghetti with meat-based sauce, remember that in Italy, it’s called ragù or sugo depending on the region. Understanding these regional variations adds depth to your knowledge of Italian cuisine and allows you to appreciate the diverse flavors found throughout Italy.