Spaghetti all’Assassina
Try Spaghetti all’Assassina (Assassin’s Spaghetti) the next time you crave bold flavors, crispy textures, and a hint of spice. This isn’t your typical spaghetti—it’s a one-of-a-kind taste experience! Originating from the lively city of Bari, this traditional Italian recipe transforms an ordinary pasta dish into something spectacular with its unique cooking method and simple yet powerful ingredients.
What Makes Spaghetti all’Assassina Special?
Unlike conventional pasta dishes that are boiled and then combined with sauce, Spaghetti all’Assassina is cooked directly in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. This method, known as risottata, allows the spaghetti to crisp up and develop a slightly charred, deeply flavorful texture. The dish’s bold combination of fresh chili peppers, garlic, and high-quality olive oil creates an aromatic base, while the rich, slightly sweet strained tomatoes tie it all together seamlessly.
But Spaghetti all’Assassina isn’t just about its unique cooking style—it’s a piece of Bari’s vibrant food culture. It originated in the 1970s when local restaurants added a bold twist to traditional pasta. It quickly became a beloved street food. The name “Assassina” reflects the dish’s fiery, bold nature. Its spicy heat and crispy edges deliver a powerful punch in every bite.
Making this dish at home connects you to Italian culinary history, celebrating simple ingredients, traditional techniques, and bold flavors. Perfecting it is a tribute to Bari’s tradition and a rewarding adventure for any home cook.
Serving Suggestions
To enjoy Spaghetti all’Assassina at its best, serve it hot and crispy. Pair it with a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the bold flavors. A robust red wine, such as Primitivo or Nero d’Avola, complements the dish beautifully and helps balance its heat. Add fresh parsley for color and flavor, or sprinkle with chili flakes for extra spiciness. Serve with crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce, bringing the authentic taste of Bari’s street food into the comfort of your home.
Conclusion
Spaghetti all’Assassina is a must-try dish that brings the bold, rich flavors of Bari’s street food to your kitchen. With its crispy texture, savory tomato base, and a hint of heat, this unique recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their pasta night. Serve it hot, pair it with simple sides, and enjoy an unforgettable meal that captures the true essence of Italian cuisine.
Spaghetti all’Assassina
Equipment
- 1 wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan
- 1 soup pot
Ingredients
- 6 oz Spaghetti
- 2-4 fresh chili peppers
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 whole garlic cloves
- 24 oz strained tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Prepare the Chili Peppers: Slice the fresh red chili peppers and set aside. Adjust the quantity based on how spicy you like your dish.
- Make the Tomato Broth: In a cooking soup pan, mix the tomato puree with water. Season with salt and pepper, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and keep it warm for later use.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it’s warm.
- Add Garlic and Chili Peppers: Add the garlic and sliced chili peppers to the skillet. Sauté until the garlic is aromatic and the chili peppers begin to release their heat.
- Toast the Spaghetti: Place the uncooked spaghetti directly in the skillet and toss it until it is well coated with the oil. Let it toast until it turns golden brown, flipping it when you hear slight crackling sounds.
- Cook with Tomato Broth: Pour 1-2 ladles of the warm tomato broth over the toasted spaghetti. Cook, adding more broth as needed and stirring frequently for about 20 minutes. This helps the spaghetti absorb the sauce and develop a rich flavor.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking until the spaghetti is tender but has a crispy exterior. Serve hot and enjoy the bold, crispy flavors of Spaghetti all’Assassina.
Video
Notes
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution, which helps the spaghetti toast and crisp properly without burning.
- Don’t Skimp on the Olive Oil: The oil is essential for achieving the signature crispy texture and rich flavor. Make sure to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Tailor the amount of chili peppers to your heat preference. If you want a milder dish, remove the seeds from the peppers or use fewer chili peppers.
- Toast the Spaghetti Properly: Allow the spaghetti to toast in the pan until golden brown before adding the tomato broth. This step gives the dish its distinctive crispy texture.
- Add Tomato Broth Gradually: Don’t pour in all the tomato broth at once. Add it in ladlefuls and let the spaghetti absorb the liquid before adding more. This gradual process helps develop a rich flavor and keeps the spaghetti from becoming soggy.
- Avoid Constant Stirring: Stir the spaghetti enough to keep it from sticking but avoid over-stirring, as this can prevent it from crisping properly.
- Keep the Tomato Broth Warm: Use a cooking soup pan to keep the tomato broth warm throughout the cooking process. Adding warm broth helps maintain an even cooking temperature and ensures the spaghetti cooks consistently.
- Listen for the Crackle: The slight crackling sound is an indicator that the spaghetti is toasting well and ready to be flipped or have broth added.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve Spaghetti all’Assassina hot and fresh. The crispy exterior is best enjoyed right out of the pan.