Spaghetti all’Assassina, or Assassin’s Spaghetti, is a bold and flavorful dish hailing from Bari, Italy. Known for its unique cooking method, this spicy pasta is cooked directly in the pan with tomato sauce, resulting in a crispy, caramelized finish. It’s perfect for those who love their pasta with a kick and a bit of crunch.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups hot water or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and hot water or vegetable broth until well combined. Set aside.
2. Heat the Pan:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Spaghetti:
- Add the uncooked spaghetti to the pan, spreading it out evenly. Let the spaghetti toast for about 1-2 minutes, pressing it down lightly with a spatula. This will start to give the pasta its characteristic crunch.
4. Begin Cooking the Pasta:
- Pour about a third of the tomato mixture over the spaghetti. Stir occasionally, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and begin cooking.
- As the liquid is absorbed, add more of the tomato mixture, a little at a time, stirring occasionally. Continue this process, much like making risotto, until the spaghetti is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the sauce. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
- If the pasta starts to stick too much, you can add a bit more hot water or broth.
5. Caramelize and Crisp:
- Once the pasta is cooked through, let it sit in the pan without stirring for a few minutes to allow the bottom layer to caramelize and get crispy.
- You can gently press down on the pasta with a spatula to increase the contact with the pan and promote even caramelization.
6. Serve:
- Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Spaghetti all’Assassina immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Main Dish: Serve as a main dish with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
- Accompaniment: Pair with a glass of robust red wine, such as a Primitivo or Nero d’Avola.
Cooking Tips:
- Pasta Type: Use high-quality spaghetti for the best texture and flavor.
- Spiciness: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Pan Choice: A heavy-bottomed skillet is essential to achieve the perfect caramelization and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique Method: Cooking the spaghetti directly in the pan with the sauce creates a unique texture and deep flavor.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, chili, and tomato creates a spicy and rich sauce.
- Crispy Bits: The caramelized, crispy bits of pasta are irresistible and add a delightful crunch.
Conclusion:
Spaghetti all’Assassina is an adventurous and flavor-packed dish that brings a taste of Bari right to your kitchen. The combination of spicy, savory flavors and the unique cooking method make this pasta a must-try for any pasta lover. Enjoy the crispy, caramelized goodness of Spaghetti all’Assassina and savor a dish that truly stands out!