What is Arrabiata?

by Nicole Weston, Posted Dec 3rd 2006 @ 11:33AM

A recent survey taken of Britons revealed that nearly two thirds of them think that "arrabiata" is a sexually transmitted disease of some kind, which probably makes going out for an Italian restaurant for dinner a rather unique experience. Arrabiata, as fans of Italian food will know, is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is a spicy Italian pasta sauce. Characterized by the use of simple, but fresh, ingredients, the sauce always features tomatoes and hot chili peppers, either fresh of dried. Other common inclusions are garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil and sometimes a little bit of meat or some olives for additional flavor and texture.

In fairness, the survey was about sexual health in general and was released on World Aids Day, this past Friday, so it is possible that some participants were confused by the questioning. It might be a good idea to give the sauce a try just to ensure there won't be any confusion over the name in the future. Read on for a recipe.

Arribiata sauce is dead-easy to make. Here's a very simple recipe from Giada de Laurentiis:

Arrabbiata Sauce
(via Everyday Italian)
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 ounces pancetta, thinly sliced and diced
2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups marinara sauce

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add in the pancetta and saute for about 5 minutes or until golden. Add in the red pepper flakes and the garlic, and saute for 1 minute. Add in the marinara sauce, bring to a boil and reduce heat to low, stirring often, until ready to serve.

Filed Under: Did you know?
Tags: Arrabiata, british isles, did you know, dinner, italian, pasta, recipe, sauce, sauces, sexually transmitted disease, std, world aid's day

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-04-2006 @6:28AM Manuele De Lisio said... Hrmpf, there's neither pancetta nor "marinara sauce" (what is that?) in the "arrabbiata sauce"...sorry :)
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12-12-2006 @6:00PM Andrea said... I agree with Manuele, that's a strange recipe for Arrabbiata sauce! Penne Arrabbiata is one of my favourite pasta dishes and that isn't it.
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