Sicilian Anchovy Pasta with Toasted Breadcrumbs and Almonds

Pasta C’Anciova Recipe

Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the anchovy sauce:
   In a large pan, heat 40g of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the anchovies in oil, and sauté them for about 2 minutes, allowing them to break down and infuse the oil with flavor. Add the garlic cloves, crushed slightly, and cook until fragrant.

2. Toast the breadcrumbs:
   While the anchovies are cooking, place a pan over medium heat and add the breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir constantly to ensure they don’t burn, and let them toast for about 5 minutes until they become golden and crispy. For an extra crunch, roughly chop the almonds and add them to the breadcrumbs as they toast.

3. Prepare the pasta:
   Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil for cooking the pasta. Add a pinch of salt and cook the reginette pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Once done, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.

4. Combine the sauce:
   While the pasta is cooking, add the tomato paste to the pan with the anchovies and garlic. Stir well to combine, then pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomato paste. Stir in the raisins, pine nuts, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Toss the pasta:
   Once the pasta is ready and drained, add it directly to the pan with the anchovy sauce. If necessary, add a little pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Toss everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce.

6. Garnish and serve:
   Once the pasta is well coated, remove it from the heat and transfer it to serving plates. Sprinkle with the toasted breadcrumb mixture and freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious traditional dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

This classic Sicilian pasta dish is a perfect combination of rich, savory flavors from the anchovies and tangy sweetness from raisins, enhanced by the crunch of toasted breadcrumbs and almonds. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, it is a perfect blend of simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors.