Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Artichokes and Crumbled Bread
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
This rustic and delicious pasta dish combines the earthy flavor of artichokes with the crunch of crumbled bread, all seasoned with aromatic herbs. The addition of fresh chili and black pepper brings a lovely kick to the dish, while the olive oil and garlic create a beautiful base of flavors. Perfect for a comforting, wholesome meal, this recipe is ideal for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Spaghetti | 320g |
| Artichokes | 400g |
| Stale Bread (crumbled) | 50g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30g |
| Black Olives | 30g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Oregano | 1g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Artichokes: Begin by cleaning the artichokes. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the fibrous outer layer of the stem, and cut off the tips of the artichokes. Slice them in half and remove the inner choke (if necessary), then cut the artichokes into thin strips.
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Cook the Bread Crumbs: In a large pan, heat 15g of olive oil over medium heat. Add one clove of garlic (smashed) and let it infuse the oil for a couple of minutes. Once fragrant, add the crumbled stale bread to the pan and toast it until golden and crispy. Set aside.
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Cook the Artichokes: In the same pan, add the artichokes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to brown slightly. In the meantime, remove the seeds and membrane from the fresh chili pepper, and finely chop it.
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Prepare the Pasta: While the artichokes cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions, ensuring they remain al dente (usually 8 minutes). Once the pasta is ready, reserve some pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
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Combine and Season: Once the pasta is cooked, add it directly to the pan with the artichokes. Toss everything together, adding a little pasta water if needed to help combine the flavors. Stir in the crumbled bread, black olives, and chili pepper. Season with fine salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano.
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Final Touches: Toss the spaghetti well in the pan for a minute or two to ensure the flavors meld together. If desired, finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dash more oregano for an aromatic finish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the spaghetti and enjoy this warm, satisfying dish with a refreshing salad on the side. The combination of earthy artichokes, crunchy breadcrumbs, and the heat from the chili will make this a memorable meal!
This recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. The whole wheat spaghetti adds a wholesome touch, while the artichokes and crumbled bread bring both flavor and texture. Ideal for a mid-week meal or a special occasion, this dish is a true celebration of Italian ingredients and Mediterranean cooking.
