Sugo alla Cacciatora, also known as “hunter’s sauce,” is a rustic Italian tomato sauce bursting with savory flavors. Unlike its smoother counterpart, Sugo al Pomodoro, this sauce embraces a chunky texture, allowing the individual ingredients to shine. This robust sauce is incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with pasta, polenta, or even as a delicious topping for grilled meats.
Why You’ll Love This Sugo alla Cacciatora Recipe
This Sugo alla Cacciatora recipe is:
- Bursting with authentic Italian flavors
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion
- Versatile and can be used in countless dishes
Let’s dive in and create a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a depth of flavor.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients for Extra Depth:
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 small red chili pepper, finely chopped (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Sugo alla Cacciatora Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
Let’s Make Sugo alla Cacciatora!
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the wine has reduced by half.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the Chicken to the Sauce: Add the browned chicken back to the sauce. Stir to combine, and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Sugo alla Cacciatora
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground pork and Italian sausage instead of chicken.
- If you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially blend the sauce after simmering.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Simmering Sugo alla Cacciatora Sauce
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sauce pairs beautifully with various dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Pasta: Toss the Sugo alla Cacciatora with your favorite pasta, such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or even penne.
- Polenta: Spoon the sauce over creamy polenta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Grilled Meats: Serve the sauce as a topping for grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
How to Store Sugo alla Cacciatora
Leftover Sugo alla Cacciatora can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
FAQs About Sugo alla Cacciatora
Q: Can I make Sugo alla Cacciatora ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the sauce as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: What kind of wine should I use?
A: A dry red wine, such as Chianti, Merlot, or Pinot Noir, works well in this recipe.
This recipe is a wonderful starting point, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique version of Sugo alla Cacciatora. Enjoy!
