Spaghetti Puttanesca (Spaghetti With Capers Olives And Anchovies) Recipe

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca so easy Spaghetti alla puttanesca

Cover Spaghetti alla Puttanesca so easy Spaghetti alla puttanesca (1366x1366)

Table of Contents

1. What is Spaghetti Puttanesca?
2. Ingredients
3. Cooking Instructions
4. Variations
5. Serving Suggestions

What is Spaghetti Puttanesca?

Spaghetti Puttanesca is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its bold and vibrant flavors. It originated in Naples and is often referred to as "Spaghetti alla Puttanesca." The name "Puttanesca" translates to "prostitute" in Italian, and there are various stories about the origins of the name.

One popular story suggests that the dish was created by prostitutes in Naples who needed a quick and easy meal to prepare between clients. They would use the pantry staples they had on hand, such as canned tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies, to create a flavorful pasta dish.

Regardless of its origin, Spaghetti Puttanesca has become a beloved dish around the world. It is known for its robust and tangy flavors, thanks to the combination of ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, olives, capers, and anchovies.

Ingredients

To make Spaghetti Puttanesca, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces of spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of pitted black olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of capers
• 4-6 anchovy fillets, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, black olives, capers, and anchovies to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

While the classic Spaghetti Puttanesca recipe is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with some variations to suit your taste preferences:

• Vegetarian: Omit the anchovies to make the dish vegetarian-friendly. You can add a bit more salt or use a vegetarian substitute, such as seaweed-based seasoning, for a hint of umami flavor.
• Spicy: If you enjoy heat, you can add extra red chili flakes or even some chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
• Extra Garlic: If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Herbs: While traditional Spaghetti Puttanesca doesn't call for additional herbs, you can add some fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti Puttanesca is a flavorful dish on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with the following accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.
• Salad: Pair the pasta with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Wine: Spaghetti Puttanesca pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Barbera.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Puttanesca is a classic Italian pasta dish that offers a burst of bold and tangy flavors. Its origins may be debated, but there's no denying the deliciousness of this quick and easy recipe. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, Spaghetti Puttanesca is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So grab a fork, twirl some spaghetti, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Italian classic!