Calabrese Struncatura

Ingredients:

400g (14 oz) Struncatura pasta
4 tablespoons Fondo Gionino Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
6-8 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and chopped
1/4 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped
1-2 dried Calabrian chili peppers, crushed (or red pepper flakes, to taste)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs, toasted
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt, to taste

Instruction:

Step 1

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt. Add the struncatura pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.

Step 2

Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and sauté until it’s golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the chopped anchovies, olives, capers, and crushed chili peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the anchovies dissolve and the flavors meld together.

Step 3

Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked struncatura pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
If the pasta looks too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4

Add Breadcrumbs:
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta and toss to combine. The breadcrumbs add a nice crunch and absorb some of the flavorful sauce.

Step 5

Serve:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately, enjoying the robust flavors of this traditional Calabrese dish.

Tips:

Toasting Breadcrumbs: To toast the breadcrumbs, simply heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the breadcrumbs, and stir frequently until golden brown. You can also toast them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Anchovy Substitute: If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can reduce the amount or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.

This dish embodies the essence of Calabrian cuisine with its bold flavors and simple, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy your homemade Struncatura alla Calabrese!

Buon appetito!