Elf Maple Syrup Tomato Sauce Recipe
Inspired by everyone's favorite holiday movie
All December long, we're bringing you the recipes, tips and tricks you need to Feast your way through the holidays, no matter how you celebrate the season.
We're kind of obsessed with Elf. Will Ferrell's grown-up "elf" embodies the Christmas spirit and has an unyielding sweet tooth, even memorably pouring maple syrup all over his pasta in one scene. Inspired, we turned his creation into a legitimate recipe for tomato sauce laced with maple syrup with a sweet and smoky twist. It's the perfect meal to eat while you watch the movie. And feel free to add candy on top if you want to stay super authentic to Buddy.
The sweetness of the maple syrup plays perfectly with the smoky pancetta for a rich tomato sauce perfect for any weeknight meal. While this sauce works on a classic plate of spaghetti, try it with your next pot of meatballs or tray of lasagna.
Check out our favorite pasta recipes.
Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen
'Elf' Maple Syrup Tomato Sauce
Inspired by our favorite holiday movie, Elf, this tomato sauce packs a sweet punch from maple syrup that’s cooked down with pancetta and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces pancetta, small dice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup
- Two 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 thyme sprigs
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat the pancetta and olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook until the pancetta is golden and the fat has rendered, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the maple syrup and cook until slightly reduced, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a simmer, then cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 40 to 45 minutes. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
| Calories per Serving | 165 |
| Total Fat | 9.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 9.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g |
| Sodium | 548.5 mg |
| Protein | 3.6 g |
