Penne with Tomato & Sweet Pepper Sauce (Penne Saporite “Il Frantoio”)

From EatingWell: September/October 1995 — Subscribe Now!

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.

Penne with Tomato & Sweet Pepper Sauce (Penne Saporite “Il Frantoio”) Recipe

8 servings

Active Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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.
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.
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

Per serving: 262 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 46 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein; 6 g fiber; 53 mg sodium; 394 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (33% daily value),Vitamin A (16% dv).

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat