Spaghetti all’assassina

Spaghetti all’assassina is one of those dishes that can quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The charm lies in its straightforwardness, bringing together simple ingredients in a way that excites the palate. Imagine the enticing aroma of garlic and chili dancing together, coaxing the flavors to evoke a little Italian magic in your home. This unique spaghetti dish hails from Bari, Italy, and stands out as a testament to how a few key ingredients can turn into something special. It’s a bowl of pasta that’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party. So, grab your skillet and let’s journey into the world of Spaghetti all’assassina. You’re going to love how this recipe makes cooking fun and satisfying!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti all’assassina
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Tomato Broth
• Sautéing the Pasta
• Simmering the Pasta
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

Understanding the unique cooking method of Spaghetti all’assassina is vital. Unlike traditional spaghetti recipes, this one involves sautéing the pasta directly in a skillet, where it caramelizes as it cooks. This technique means you’re not just boiling pasta; you’re creating a rich, flavorful experience with every bite.

The balance of flavors is achieved through minimal ingredients. You won’t find a lengthy list of spices or sauces here. Instead, the magic comes from the garlic, hot peppers, and a simple tomato broth. These components work together beautifully, allowing each one to shine.

Caramelization plays a significant role in achieving that authentic taste. As the spaghetti browns in the pan, it takes on a smokiness that elevates the entire dish. Each twist and turn of the noodle becomes infused with flavor, making it a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti all’assassina

A bold flavor profile is a key reason why you’ll love this dish. The garlic mingles with the spicy kick of the pepper, creating a hearty punch that excites the senses. It’s not just food; it’s an adventure with every forkful.

Preparation time is another attractive feature. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You can whip up this amazing dish in about 30 minutes!

Finally, Spaghetti all’assassina introduces a piece of Italian heritage into your home. By preparing this dish, you’re not just cooking; you’re experiencing a slice of tradition from Bari. There’s something wonderful about sharing a little cultural moment with friends and family through food.

Ingredients

• 7 oz spaghetti (200g)
• 1/2 tube tomato concentrate (2 1/2 oz or 65g)
• 1/8 cup passata di pomodoro (50ml)
• 1 quart water (1 liter)
• Salt, to taste
• 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1-2 red hot peppers, preferably fresh, finely minced (or a pinch of red pepper flakes)
• 1/2 cup passata di pomodoro (125ml)
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Preparing the Tomato Broth

To begin, take a saucepan and pour in the water. Add the tomato paste, passata, and salt. Stir this mixture until the paste completely dissolves.

Next, bring it to a simmer over medium heat. This broth will become the flavorful base that enriches the spaghetti as it cooks.

Sautéing the Pasta

Heat a cast iron or carbon steel skillet on high. Once it’s hot, pour enough olive oil to cover the skillet’s base.

Sauté the minced garlic and hot pepper until they release their fragrance. This step is crucial, as it sets the tone for the flavor profile.

Now it’s time to add in the passata, stirring around to coat the skillet. This is where things really start to come together!

Place the spaghetti into the skillet in a single layer. Make sure to nudge them apart, allowing each strand room to caramelize. As the spaghetti cooks, keep an eye on it. Let it caramelize until slightly charred, then gently flip to char the other side.

Simmering the Pasta

With the spaghetti nicely sautéed, it’s time to incorporate the broth. Pour a ladleful over the pasta and let it cook briskly until the broth evaporates.

Once that happens, flip the pasta again and repeat the process. Continue adding broth and allowing it to evaporate until the spaghetti reaches that perfect al dente texture.

If you run low on broth, no worries! Simply supplement with simmered water. When you’re almost done, let any remaining broth cook off. You’ll want the pasta to glisten with red and oil, showcasing all those beautiful flavors.

Serve immediately to enjoy at its best!

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, pair your Spaghetti all’assassina with a light salad or some crunchy garlic bread. The freshness of a salad complements the boldness of the pasta beautifully.

A glass of red wine or sparkling water also makes an excellent companion for this dish. The drinks can help balance the flavors, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your dinner.

Tips for Success

To get the best results, ensure your skillet is hot enough for proper caramelization. This is where a lot of flavors come to life.

Adjusting the spice levels is simple. If you prefer a milder kick, just reduce the amount of hot pepper used.

Lastly, do not overcrowd the spaghetti in the pan. Gently moving them around allows for optimal texture and caramelization.

Variations

If you’re catering to gluten-free diets, simply substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Sticking to the cooking method is still recommended for the best results.

Feeling adventurous? You can also experiment by adding cooked proteins like shrimp or chicken for a heartier dish. This adds texture and nutrition while keeping the spirit of the recipe intact.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, do so on the stovetop with a splash of water. This helps to revive any lost moisture and keeps the spaghetti tasting fresh.

Pairing Ideas

A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette goes perfectly with Spaghetti all’assassina. The bitterness of the arugula provides a nice counterbalance to the spicy and savory elements of the dish.

Sides like roasted vegetables also complement this meal beautifully, creating a colorful and nutritious plate.

FAQs

What can I substitute for spaghetti?
You can use other pasta types like linguine or fettuccine, although keep in mind the cooking method may differ slightly.

How spicy is Spaghetti all’assassina?
The spice level can be adjusted according to your taste preference by varying the amount of hot pepper used.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegetarian, just ensure to use vegetable broth instead of meat-based options.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite, creating that delightful slight chewiness.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
While fresh pasta dishes can be frozen, it’s recommended to enjoy Spaghetti all’assassina fresh for the best texture and flavor.

With its simplicity and delightful flavors, this Spaghetti all’assassina invites you to explore the exciting world of Italian cooking. As you create your own version, let the ingredients inspire creativity. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen, and of course, every heavenly bite of this fantastic dish!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus
• Spring Vegetable Pasta with Goat Cheese
• Classic Quiche Lorraine with Bacon

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