Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca has great flavour

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a very popular pasta dish in Rome although you can also find it throughout Italy. Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is a classic sauce made with tomatoes, olives, anchovies and capers. It is very easy and quick to make, so why not give it a try?

Serves: 4

Ingredients for Spaghetti:

1 lb spaghetti (1 packet, enough for 4 people)
1 tablespoon salt

Method:

1. Fill two-thirds of a large saucepan with cold water.

2. Add the salt.

3. Bring to the boil.

4. Lower the spaghetti into a large saucepan of the boiling salted water.

5. Stir once or twice with a wooden spoon.

6. Cook for about 10 minutes or according to the manufacturer's packet instructions. Spaghetti should be cooked to "al dente" not soft or overcooked in texture.

7. Quickly drain in a colander.

8. Pour over 3 cups of hot water, drain again well, then tip back into the saucepan and keep warm.

Ingredients for Puttanesca sauce:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 oz can anchovies (drained and chopped)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes
1 400 grams can of plum tomatoes (chopped, keep the juice)
16 black olives (pitted and halved)
2 tablespoons capers (rinsed and drained)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper (to taste)

Method:

1. On a low heat, add olive oil to a large frying pan.

2. Add the anchovies and cook, stirring until the anchovies dissolve.

3. Add the garlic and cook until soft but not brown.

4. Increase the heat to medium.

5. Add the tomatoes, and juice.

6. When the sauce comes to a boil, turn the heat down and simmer until the tomatoes have reduced and separated from the oil, about 30 minutes.

7. Remove from the heat and set aside.

8. Prepare the spaghetti now.

9. When the spaghetti is done, return the frying pan with the sauce to a medium heat.

10. Add the oregano, olives, and capers.

11. Toss spaghetti in with the sauce in the frying pan over a low heat.

12. Add salt and pepper to taste.

13. Serve immediately in individual serving bowls or plates.

14. You can sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese if you like, but I prefer it without.

To discover more about Italian food visit the Italian Traditional Food webpage