Pasta alla Paolina with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs

Pasta alla Paolina

Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the spices for the sauce: on a cutting board, crush the cloves using a meat mallet until finely ground.
2. In a separate pan, heat a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the whole garlic clove and sauté briefly to release its aroma.
3. After the garlic has softened, remove it from the pan, leaving the oil infused with its flavor.
4. Add the ground cloves and cinnamon to the oil and mix for a few seconds. Then, pour in the tomato pulp and stir well.
5. Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of ground cinnamon, then cover the pan and let it simmer on medium heat for a few minutes.
6. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bucatini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
7. When the pasta is ready, drain it, reserving a little cooking water, and transfer the pasta into the pan with the sauce.
8. Stir the pasta into the sauce, allowing it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
9. While the pasta is cooking, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan until golden and crunchy.
10. Once the pasta is done, plate it and top with the toasted breadcrumbs. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and serve hot.

This comforting and flavorful Pasta alla Paolina is a traditional Italian recipe with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and cloves, balanced by the savory anchovies and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy family meal!