Hudson Valley Style Kitchen – Today’s Host Lisa Ferrara Shares Her Favorite Pasta Recipe

New York’s Hudson Valley is just a short train ride from Manhattan, making it the perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re seeking out artisanal food and farm-to-table cuisine or visiting local vineyards, you’ll enjoy that laid-back upstate lifestyle that inspires many New Yorkers to move away from the city. Today, our guest host Lisa Ferrara of Superior Mortgage Co. shares her favorite (and very-very secret) pasta recipe that uses red wine as a part of the recipe, and a sneak peek into how to make the best out of the Hudson Valley Style living.

Hudson Valley Style Kitchen – Today’s Host Lisa Ferrara Shares Her Favorite Pasta Recipe – Presented by Superior Mortgage Company Inc. NMLS #43642

There’s nothing simpler than making this delicious red wine pasta sauce—it’s easy to make, elegant, and full of flavor! – Says Lisa Ferrara. No matter if you have leftover red wine, or are looking for a pasta sauce that is up to par, you are in the right place. Hudson Valley Style living means you have to savor every minute of it, so cooking with wine is the way to go!

Hudson Valley Style Kitchen – Today's Host Lisa Ferrara Shares Favorite Pasta Recipe – Presented by Superior Mortgage – Photography by Maxwell Alexander, Duncan Avenue Studios — Hudson Valley Style Kitchen – Today’s Host Lisa Ferrara, President, Superior Mortgage Co., Shares Her Favorite Pasta Recipe – Photography by Maxwell Alexander, Duncan Avenue Studios

What red wine goes best with pasta sauce?

That depends on your taste, and just like a good mortgage, on your budget, of course. I recommend starting with a bold, dry red wine such as Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, or Marlboro Village Red. Dry red wines have the most depth of flavor. My opinion is that if I’m going to cook with wine, I should be able to taste it as well! When cooking with wine, it is best to choose one that you would enjoy drinking. Use what you like, or use what you have, and use what you can afford.

Hudson Valley Style Kitchen – Today's Host Lisa Ferrara Shares Favorite Pasta Recipe — Hudson Valley Style Kitchen – Today’s Host Lisa Ferrara Shares Her Favorite Pasta Recipe

One cup of wine is used in my red wine pasta sauce recipe, so you’ll have leftovers to drink or use in other recipes. I have a couple of go-to wines from Benmarl Winery that I like to cook with, ones that don’t break the bank, but also ones I’m happy to serve with dinner. And it’s always a great idea to visit a vineyard and taste all of their wines before committing to purchasing the whole bottle. Hudson Valley offers many choices, so hit the Shawangunk Wine Trail this weekend and get yourself a good bottle of red wine for my secret pasta sauce (continue reading for the actual recipe! I promise, it’s delicious!)

Cooking with wine

Sure, we all know wine goes great with food. But did you know that many people find that cooking and eating food actually enhances their tasting experience when paired with a glass of wine? Try it out on your next night in. My red wine pasta recipe makes a simple yet delicious meal any night of the week. You’ll need just a few ingredients and half an hour or so to prepare, but remember—the longer you let everything simmer, the better!

The Ingredients

Remember that Hudson Valley Lifestyle isn’t about sweating away in the kitchen for hours, so my red wine pasta sauce recipe is designed to be quick and easy so that you had time left to sip your wine. Here is what you’ll need:

Fresh Oregano
1-2 Garlic Cloves
Fresh Basil
Onion
Crushed Tomatoes (2 cans)
Olive Oil (1/2 cup)
Dry Red Wine (1 cup)

How to Make the Sauce in 4 Simple Steps

First, I grate the onion so that it dissolves into the sauce and mixes more smoothly into the mixture.
Next, I cook the crushed garlic in olive oil a little longer than most recipes suggest which allows it to turn a brownish-gold in color. This step adds a toasty, caramelized flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes, wine, oregano, and basil while continuously mixing it.
Lastly, I usually add a full tablespoon of honey to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and wine. You can also use maple syrup or white sugar.

That’s it! Your sauce is ready, so mix it with your favorite pasta, garnish with fresh tomatoes, parmesan, basil, or parsley and enjoy!

Living in upstate / Hudson Valley, New York means there’s nothing better than a hearty pasta dish on a beautiful spring day. Try your hand at making my red wine sauce and pair it with some whole wheat pasta for a nice balance of nutrition, flavor, and creativity. You can also easily make homemade pasta using whole wheat flour!

I hope you enjoyed my recipe and a quick taste of Hudson Valley Style Living! Should you need any help financing your move to the area, call me directly at 914-755-3942 to get you started.

Truly Yours, Lisa Ferrara, President, Superior Mortgage Company Inc. NMLS #43642