Experience the delightful and robust flavors of Puttanesca, a classic Italian dish known for its simple yet sensational marinara sauce. The name “Puttanesca” is said to be inspired by Italian prostitutes, who either enjoyed this dish or prepared it for their clients. However, its intriguing history only adds to the allure of this spicy, briny, and salty delight. Perfect for romantic winter nights spent indoors with your loved one (and perhaps your furry companion), this dish ensures that no one else will detect the pungent and tantalizing aromas that only you and your close ones can enjoy. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider adding some good-quality tuna canned in flavorful olive oil.
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS:
- Kosher salt
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1½ cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 8 anchovy fillets, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed, patted dry, and roughly chopped
- ½ cup pitted olives, roughly chopped (any sharp, briny olive will do, such as Taggiasche, kalamata, or Manzanilla)
- One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes packed in juice, crushed by hand or with a potato masher into rough ½-inch chunks
- One 6-ounce can tuna packed in olive oil, drained (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Flavorful Sauce: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the foaming subsides.
- Add the finely diced onion to the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, until softened but not browned, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the thinly sliced garlic, minced anchovies, and red pepper flakes, and continue cooking, stirring, until the garlic turns light golden, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped capers, olives, and crushed tomatoes with their juice. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it has reduced and the oil starts separating, around 15 minutes.
- If using tuna, gently fold it into the sauce. Season the sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until it is fully softened but still has a slight bite in the center (approximately 1 minute less than the package recommends after reaching a boil).
- Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid, and return it to the pot.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sauce to the cooked spaghetti and stir to combine. If the sauce needs thinning, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve the Puttanesca immediately, topped with the chopped parsley and your choice of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese. The bold and enticing flavors of this dish will enchant your taste buds, making it the perfect spaghetti for a cozy night in.
Puttanesca is an Italian classic that delivers an explosion of flavors on your palate. This dish brings together the simplicity of a marinara sauce with the boldness of garlic, anchovies, capers, and olives, creating a delightful and tantalizing experience. Perfect for a romantic winter evening spent indoors, this dish ensures an unforgettable culinary adventure. To elevate it further, consider adding some high-quality tuna canned in olive oil for a luxurious touch. As you savor each bite of the rich and flavorful Puttanesca sauce, accompanied by perfectly cooked spaghetti, your senses will transport you to the streets of Italy. Top it off with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano for a final flourish, and you have a truly indulgent and comforting meal for your night in. Enjoy the warmth of love, delightful company, and the aromatic allure of Puttanesca—the best spaghetti for a night to remember.
