A Glimpse into Audrey's Kitchen: Beyond the Silver Screen
While audiences adored Audrey Hepburn's glamorous on-screen persona, her private life was grounded in simplicity, especially concerning food. Her experiences during World War II, where she suffered near-starvation in German-occupied Holland, profoundly shaped her relationship with food, instilling in her a deep appreciation for even the simplest meals. This led to her signature comfort food: pasta with tomato sauce, or spaghetti al pomodoro.
Her son, Luca Dotti, chronicled these memories in his book Audrey at Home, offering a rare and intimate look at the woman behind the legend. Unlike the elaborate meals one might associate with a Hollywood star, Hepburn cherished fresh, uncomplicated dishes. She had a passion for gardening and often used ingredients grown in her own backyard to make her beloved pasta sauce. This connection to the earth and simple, wholesome food was a stark contrast to the opulence of her public life.
The Recipe for Spaghetti al Pomodoro
Audrey Hepburn’s spaghetti al pomodoro was a weekly affair, a ritual of comfort and grounding for her. The recipe, as shared by her family, emphasizes high-quality, fresh ingredients. It typically includes extra virgin olive oil, a small onion, garlic cloves, carrots, celery, canned Italian tomatoes, fresh basil, spaghetti pasta, and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The sauce is a slow-simmered blend of finely diced vegetables and crushed tomatoes, then tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished with fresh basil and cheese.
A Tale of Two Pastas: Spaghetti vs. Penne with Ketchup
While spaghetti al pomodoro was her quintessential comfort dish, another, more surprising pasta recipe also held a special place in her heart: penne with ketchup.
| Feature | Spaghetti al Pomodoro | Penne with Ketchup |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | High-quality Italian tomatoes, fresh vegetables, fresh basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano | Penne pasta, a few dabs of ketchup, butter, olive oil, Emmentaler or Gruyère cheese |
| Preparation | Slow-simmered sauce with sautéed vegetables, requiring more time | Quick, 15-minute preparation |
| Context | Her regular, weekly comfort meal, often with garden ingredients | A semi-secret, "weary-of-body-and-soul" meal for relaxed evenings |
| Meaning | Represented her Italian lifestyle and connection to home | A poignant reflection of childhood food scarcity |
Chocolate: The Taste of Freedom
Chocolate also held immense significance for Hepburn. After receiving chocolate bars from an Allied soldier during the liberation of Holland, it became the "taste of freedom" and a lifelong comfort for her.
Audrey Hepburn's comfort foods, particularly spaghetti al pomodoro, reflect a life shaped by both hardship and success. Her preference for simple, fresh ingredients highlights an appreciation for food that stemmed from her wartime experiences. Her approach to food—fresh, simple, and never taken for granted—is a timeless and elegant lesson. For more details on her recipes and life, her son's book Audrey at Home is a valuable resource.
