According to the American gastronomic writer and popularizer Arthur Schwartz , however, the term “puttanesca” derives from a brothel in the Quartieri Spagnoli “which used to refresh its guests with this dish, taking advantage of its speed and ease of preparation”. The author of “Naples at table”, a sort of gastronomic guide for Americans which covers the whole of Campania, also hypothesizes a “reference to the underwear of the girls of the house which, to attract and entice the customer’s eye, they probably wore linen of all kinds, in flashy colors and full of promising transparencies”. The many colors of this clothing would be found in the sauce of the same name : the green of the parsley, the red of the tomatoes, the dark purple of the olives, the grey-green of the capers, the garnet color of the chillies. Others maintain that the origin of the name can be attributed to the imagination of a real girl, Yvette the French , who was inspired by her Provençal origins. Yvette was probably not only gifted with imagination, but also with a sense of humor and a somewhat caustic irony , which she perhaps exploited to celebrate, through the name of this dish, the oldest profession in the world.”
Puttanesca Vs. Arrabbiata: What are The Differences?
Arrabbiata and Puttanesca are both classic Italian pasta sauces known for their bold flavors, but they differ significantly in ingredients and taste profiles. Arrabbiata sauce, originating from Rome, is a spicy sauce made primarily from tomatoes, garlic, and dried red chili peppers cooked in olive oil. The name “arrabbiata” means “angry” in Italian, referring to the heat of the chili peppers. It is typically served with pasta like penne and is noted for its simplicity and fiery character.
Puttanesca, on the other hand, comes from Naples and offers a more complex flavor. It includes tomatoes, olive oil, olives, capers, and garlic, with variations often adding anchovies. This sauce is aromatic, with a salty and slightly tangy character that complements the spiciness. The name “puttanesca” has a colorful history, supposedly named after the ladies of the night who quickly prepared it between clients.
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