Fra diavolo sauce facts for kids
Fra diavolo (say "Frah dee-AH-voh-loh") is an Italian-American sauce that means "Brother Devil." It's known for being spicy! This fiery sauce is usually made with tomatoes, crushed red pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. People often enjoy it with pasta or seafood.
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What is Fra Diavolo Sauce?
Fra diavolo is a delicious and spicy sauce. It gets its heat from crushed red pepper. The main ingredients are usually tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It's a popular choice for those who love a bit of a kick in their meals.
How is the Sauce Made?
Making fra diavolo sauce starts with cooking chopped onions in olive oil. Then, tomatoes are added, which can be fresh or from a can. Next comes the important part: crushed red pepper and garlic are stirred in. Some recipes might also include a splash of white wine for extra flavor. While most versions are tomato-based, some chicken fra diavolo dishes are made without tomatoes.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Fra diavolo" is quite interesting! It means "Brother Devil" in Italian. It's not completely clear how this name became linked to a spicy sauce.
Possible Origins of the Name
One idea is that the name was inspired by a famous Italian person. This was a guerilla fighter and bandit named Michele Pezza. He was known by the nickname "Fra Diavolo." Another possibility is that the name came from an opera called "Fra Diavolo." This opera was created by a composer named Daniel Auber. Both of these could have influenced the spicy sauce's name.
