#ChallengeChefLuca

Chef Luca's Three Italian Sauces (Allergy-Friendly)

Milk-Free • Soy-Free • Egg-Free • Wheat-Free
Peanut-Free • Tree Nut-Free • Shellfish-Free • Fish-Free

My Goal: To offer a trio of popular Italian sauces that are free of the top 8 allergens. These sauces are very versatile and can be used to add flavor to pretty much anything! I recommend serving on top of pasta alternatives, rice, potatoes, any grilled or roasted protein, and even sautéed with your favorite vegetables. Each of these sauces can be prepared ahead of time and kept in a sealed plastic container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.

PESTO

2 cups loose basil leaves

½ cup drained cannellini beans

6 garlic cloves
¾ cup olive oil

2 tsp salt

1 ½ tsp black pepper

Method:

Add all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Presto, it’s pesto! 

CHIMICHURRI

2 cups chopped red bell pepper

2 cups loose parsley leaves

10 garlic cloves

½ cup white wine vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil
1 ½ tsp red pepper flakes

2 tsp salt

2 tsp dry oregano

Method:

Add all of the ingredients into a food processor or blender. Let it go until smooth, and voila! You’ve got chimichurri in a hurry! 

EGGPLANT SAUCE

1 eggplant, peeled and cut into cubes

1 chopped onion

8 garlic cloves

3 cups water

1/3 cup tomato paste or tomato puree

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tsp salt

1 ½ tsp black pepper

Method:

In a pot, bring water with eggplant, onion, and garlic to a light boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Then drain the vegetables, but save the water for later. Pour the cooked ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, you can use a couple of tablespoons of the flavored cooking water to get the consistency you want.
  

 
Buon Appetito!

Luca Della Casa is Executive Chef at the Nosh Restaurant & Silo Restaurant, San Antonio, Texas. Chef Luca has 16 years’ experience in the food service industry in Italy, Spain and the U.S.  He was raised in Northern Italy, with an in-depth knowledge of Italian, French, and Spanish cuisines. He is currently a contestant on Food Network's The Next Food Network Star, which airs on Sundays at 9 pm Eastern time.  He welcomes food allergic diners at his restaurant. You can find Chef Luca at facebook.com/cheflucadellacasa.