The term sugo may be one you have never heard before. It is native to Italian culture, and is very important to Italian cooking. While you may be unfamiliar with the word sugo, chances are you have come into contact with it in some way, shape or form during your life. This is because almost everyone has tried Italian cooking at least once in their lives. And if you have, you have eaten sugo. Ready to know exactly what this mysterious term means? Sugo is Italian for “sauce.” As most people know, sauce is central to all Italian cooking. Whether it be a pasta dish or pizza, Italian dishes are all about the sauce. But what makes sugo different from any other sauce? Read on to learn the top 6 secrets of sugo cooking.
What is the definition of sugo?
According to online sources, the true definition of the term sugo in Italian cooking is a sauce that typically contains tomatoes or meat. The ingredients of sugo can vary based on the chef or family tradition, but there will typically be a base of tomatoes used to create the basic sauce.
What makes sugo different from other sauces?
One of the differences between sugo and other sauces is the tradition that is kept alive in the making of sugo. Many of the recipes that Italian families use to make sugo have been passed down from many generations. It is also made totally from scratch, so the taste is very distinct from a sauce you may buy from the store. Italian families who have a long tradition of cooking take pride in making things from scratch and feeding their families rich, and hearty homemade meals.
What kind of tomato is used for sugo?
As stated, the base of sugo is tomatoes. Sources say that one of the most preferable types of tomatoes for sugo is the Roma tomato. This tomato has very little to no seeds and has a hearty, meaty texture. Italian chefs have said that it has one of the best flavors when cooked down into a sauce. Picking the right tomato for your sauce is essential, as the flavor profile will develop based on the tomato base.
What other ingredients go into sugo?
In addition to the tomato base, sugo consists of some core ingredients — no matter what Italian family may be preparing the sauce. These include onions, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and various seasonings and herbs. What makes the sauce delicious is when the herbs are fresh, maybe even from a family member’s garden. These seasonings and herbs can include fresh basil, cloves of garlic, and salt. The ingredients are simple, but the combination is tried and true, and known to be absolutely delicious.
Where did sugo originate?
It can be hard to determine the exact origins of something so widespread and beloved as Italian sauce. Sources say that some version of sugo may have originated in Naples. This could be one way to look at the origin, but others say that it may have been created earlier than tracing it to an Italian country, with the possibility that it was brought over to Italy from Genoa — by Genovese immigrants sometime during the Renaissance period. It may never be definitely decided where this sauce came from, but it is definitely a tradition that is here to stay.
When was the first time anyone used sugo commercially?
A good way to determine chronologically when someone used sugo for the first time is to look at its commercial use. Records show that sugo was used for the first time in a cook book in 1790. It was called “L’Apicio moderno,” and it was created by Roman chef Francesco Leonardi.
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