What is spaghetti Napolitana?

"Spaghetti Napolitana" is a bit of a misnomer. It's not a classic, traditional Neapolitan dish, and the name can be confusing.

Here's what it usually refers to:

* A "Simplified" Spaghetti Dish: Often found in home kitchens and casual restaurants, especially outside of Italy. It's a straightforward spaghetti dish with a simple tomato sauce, often including ingredients like:

* Tomato paste and/or canned tomatoes

* Onion, garlic, and sometimes celery

* Olive oil, oregano, and a touch of sugar

* Sometimes, other additions like ground beef, sausage, or mushrooms

* Different From Authentic Neapolitan Cuisine: True Neapolitan cuisine emphasizes simplicity and fresh ingredients. The closest dish to "Spaghetti Napolitana" in Naples would be "Spaghetti al Pomodoro," which uses only San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and salt.

In short: While "Spaghetti Napolitana" isn't a recognized dish in Naples, it's a common name for a simple spaghetti dish with a tomato sauce, popular in many parts of the world.