Pasta e Mollica – A Classic Italian Delight
If you’re in the mood for an authentic Italian dish that’s rich in flavor yet simple to prepare, Pasta e Mollica is a fantastic choice. This dish, literally translating to “pasta with breadcrumbs,” combines the perfect balance of olive oil, anchovies, and freshly toasted breadcrumbs with spaghetti for an unforgettable meal. With its origins in southern Italy, it’s the epitome of a comfort food recipe, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 320g |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Salted anchovies | 4 fillets |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Rustic bread (preferably homemade) | 100g |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 100ml |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 80g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Sugars | 3g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Crumbs
Start by preparing the rustic bread for the dish. Cut the loaf of bread in half, then remove the soft, fluffy inner part to create the breadcrumbs. This part of the process is crucial, as it ensures that the bread’s texture is just right for toasting. If the bread is particularly fresh, you can also dry it out a bit before using. Once you’ve gathered the crumbs, set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients
Chop the fresh parsley finely, setting it aside for later to give the dish a burst of fresh flavor. Slice the garlic clove in half, ensuring it’s ready to infuse its aromatic essence into the olive oil. Prepare the chili pepper by slicing it thinly to release its spiciness, though the amount can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance.
Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs
In a large skillet, heat 50ml of the extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the garlic halves to the pan and allow them to sizzle gently in the oil until they become golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Once the garlic has released its aroma, remove it from the pan and add the breadcrumbs.
Toast the breadcrumbs in the flavored oil, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. This process will make the breadcrumbs crunchy and golden, infusing them with the rich olive oil and garlic flavor. Once the breadcrumbs are perfectly toasted, remove them from the pan and set them aside for later.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until it reaches al dente perfection, typically about 8-9 minutes, depending on the brand and thickness. While the pasta cooks, don’t forget to save some of the cooking water as it will help to create the perfect sauce later on.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While your pasta is cooking, return to your skillet and place it over medium heat. Drain the anchovies from their oil and add them to the pan. Let the anchovies gently melt in the olive oil, stirring them with the back of a spoon to break them down into a smooth, flavorful paste. Add the chili slices to the pan, allowing them to infuse the oil with their heat.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the spaghetti is cooked, carefully drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the anchovy, chili, and olive oil mixture. Toss the pasta over medium-high heat to coat it well, ensuring the spaghetti absorbs all the rich, flavorful sauce. If the mixture appears dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a smooth, glossy finish.
Step 7: Add the Toasted Breadcrumbs
To finish the dish, fold in the toasted breadcrumbs, mixing everything together thoroughly. The breadcrumbs will add a wonderful texture and flavor, complementing the salty anchovies and the subtle heat from the chili pepper.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top of the pasta and breadcrumbs mixture. This adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that enhances the dish’s overall flavor. Serve your Pasta e Mollica hot, ensuring each serving is generously topped with the toasted breadcrumbs and a drizzle of the infused olive oil.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta e Mollica:
- Anchovy Option: If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute them with capers or even skip them entirely. However, anchovies add an essential depth of flavor, so try them at least once!
- Breadcrumb Texture: The texture of the breadcrumbs is key. You want them to be crunchy and golden but not too dry. Stir them gently while toasting to avoid burning.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The chili pepper can be adjusted to suit your spice preferences. If you like a milder dish, remove the seeds or use a less spicy variety of chili.
- Add-ins: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano over the pasta before serving.
This simple yet hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering with friends and family. The balance of flavors between the olive oil, anchovies, garlic, and fresh herbs is sure to satisfy your taste buds, and the addition of crispy breadcrumbs gives this dish an unforgettable texture. Enjoy your Pasta e Mollica, a true representation of Italian culinary tradition!
