Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca

Ingredients

This delicious Italian pasta dish is composed of several simple ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, anchovies, olives, capers, tomatoes, chili flakes, and parsley. Spaghetti should be purchased in the dried form. Fresh garlic is necessary for the dish, however, if you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic. Anchovies can be found in jars or cans, but for the best flavor and texture, opt for anchovies packed in oil. Kalamata olives are ideal for this dish, but any large black olive will work. You’ll need capers for the dish as well – capers are the pickled buds of a Mediterranean shrub and can be found in the pickle and olive aisle at most grocery stores. For the tomatoes, you can use canned or fresh, depending on the season. Chili flakes, also known as red pepper flakes, are traditionally used in this dish, but you can leave them out if you’re not a fan of heat. Lastly, you’ll need some fresh parsley to finish off the dish.

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente – about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the anchovies and cook until they dissolve into the oil. Add the olives and capers, and cook for an additional minute. Finally, add the tomatoes, chili flakes, and parsley. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes break down.
Once the sauce is done, add the cooked spaghetti and toss to combine. Serve the spaghetti alla puttanesca with a sprinkling of fresh parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.

Nutrition

A single serving of spaghetti alla puttanesca contains approximately 300-400 calories, with 11-14 grams of fat and 40-50 grams of carbohydrates. The dish is also a good source of dietary fiber, containing 3-4 grams per serving. In terms of protein, spaghetti alla puttanesca provides 8-10 grams per serving. Additionally, the dish contains some essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Tips

If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your spaghetti alla puttanesca, consider adding some freshly grated parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta cheese. If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can leave them out of the dish, but you can also substitute them with canned tuna or sardines. You can also add some extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for a more substantial meal. Finally, if you don’t have access to fresh tomatoes, you can use canned or even jarred tomato sauce.

Conclusion

Spaghetti alla puttanesca is a classic Italian pasta dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. It’s quick and easy to make, and requires only a few simple ingredients. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a healthy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.