Technique
What is Battuto?
Pronounced /bah-TOO-toh/
Definition
Battuto is the raw, finely chopped mixture of vegetables and fat that becomes soffritto once it is cooked.
Battuto means "beaten" — traditionally the onion, carrot, celery, and often lardo or pancetta were chopped together with a mezzaluna until nearly a paste.
The distinction matters on a recipe card: battuto is the prep, soffritto is the result.
Related terms
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Quick answer
How do you cut the acidity in tomato sauce?
Grate half a carrot into the sauce and simmer 20 minutes — its natural sugar balances the acid without tasting sweet. A tablespoon of butter stirred in at the end also rounds it. Use a pinch of sugar if you must, and baking soda only in tiny amounts, since it flattens the flavor.