Spaghetti Poveri: A Simple and Flavorful Italian Pasta Dish
When it comes to simple yet delicious pasta dishes, few can rival the rustic charm of Spaghetti Poveri. This traditional Italian recipe, often made with pantry staples, brings together a delightful mix of salty anchovies, briny capers, and flavorful olives. The addition of a crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture to the dish, creating a perfect balance of savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, Spaghetti Poveri is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Poveri
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 320g |
| Anchovies in oil | 100g |
| Red onions | 80g |
| Salted capers | 30g |
| Taggiasca olives | 100g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh chili peppers | 2 |
| Fresh parsley | to taste |
| Breadcrumbs | 40g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~500 |
| Protein | ~14g |
| Carbohydrates | ~65g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
Instructions for Preparing Spaghetti Poveri
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Prepare the pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the instructions on the package, ensuring it’s al dente. While the pasta is cooking, move on to the sauce preparation.
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Prepare the soffritto: Finely chop the red onion and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
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Add the capers and anchovies: While the onions are cooking, rinse the salted capers under cold water to remove any excess salt. Roughly chop them and add them to the skillet with the onions. Follow this by adding the anchovies in oil, stirring occasionally to break them down as they melt into the oil and infuse the mixture with their rich, savory flavor.
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Incorporate the chili peppers: Remove the seeds from the chili peppers and roughly chop them. Add the chopped chilies to the skillet and stir everything together. Allow the mixture to cook gently over low heat, stirring frequently until the anchovies are completely dissolved and the flavors have melded together. If the mixture starts to dry out, add a small amount of pasta cooking water to keep it saucy.
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Toast the breadcrumbs: While the sauce simmers, take a separate small skillet and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once heated, add the breadcrumbs to the pan. Stir constantly to toast them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This step adds a wonderful crunch and richness to the dish.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Once the pasta has cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the anchovy and caper mixture. Toss everything together, ensuring the spaghetti is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
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Finish the dish: Stir in the taggiasca olives and chopped fresh parsley. Continue tossing the pasta in the skillet for another minute to ensure the olives are warmed through and the flavors are well combined.
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Add the toasted breadcrumbs: To finish, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta and give it one final toss. This adds a deliciously crunchy texture to the dish.
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Serve and enjoy: Your Spaghetti Poveri is now ready to serve! Plate the pasta, garnishing with a little extra fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish that’s simple yet packed with Italian goodness.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Poveri
- Pasta cooking water is key: Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta cooking water. The starchy water helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili peppers. For a more intense kick, add extra chilies or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use good quality anchovies: The anchovies are the star of this dish, so be sure to use high-quality ones packed in oil for the best flavor.
- Breadcrumbs make the difference: Toasting the breadcrumbs is crucial for adding the perfect crunch. You can also experiment with adding a little garlic powder or grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Poveri is a delightful and easy-to-make Italian pasta dish that makes the most of simple ingredients. With its rich anchovy and caper sauce, combined with the bright flavors of fresh chilies and olives, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and full of character. The crispy toasted breadcrumbs provide the perfect finishing touch, elevating this humble pasta into a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
