Easy Spaghetti All’Assassina
Our easy Spaghetti all’Assassina is a must-try for any pasta lover, offering a bold and flavorful experience. This spicy dish from Bari, Italy, features crispy edges and rich, robust flavors in every bite, all cooked in a fiery tomato broth. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate this traditional Italian masterpiece at home.
Cultural Significance of Spaghetti all’Assassina
Hailing from Bari, Italy, Spaghetti all’Assassina embodies southern Italian ingenuity—turning simple ingredients into bold, flavorful dishes. Its fiery heat, crispy edges, and unique cooking method make it a symbol of culinary creativity. Often seen as a test of skill, this dish is a proud representation of Bari’s vibrant food culture.
Pairing Suggestions for Spaghetti all’Assassina
- Sparkling Water or Soda: For a non-alcoholic option, pair the dish with sparkling water infused with lemon or a light Italian soda to cleanse the palate.
- Crisp Green Salad: Complement the bold, spicy flavors with a fresh, crisp green salad. Toss it with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Bold Red Wine: Enhance the meal with a glass of robust red wine such as Primitivo or Nero d’Avola. These Italian varietals pair beautifully with the dish’s smoky, spicy notes.
- Cheese Board: Add a small cheese board with sharp or nutty cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano for a savory accompaniment.
- Refreshing Dessert: Finish the meal with a light Italian treat. Panna cotta offers a creamy, silky contrast, while gelato provides a refreshing and cool end to the meal.
Closing Thoughts
Spaghetti all’Assassina is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings the bold flavors of Bari into your kitchen. With its crispy, spicy, and savory profile, this dish is sure to become a favorite for any pasta enthusiast. Try it today and savor the taste of Italy in every bite!
Easy Spaghetti All’Assassina
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or frying pan
Ingredients
- 24 oz Passata Tomato purée
- 1 cup water
- 5 oz Spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare the Passata Broth: Pour the passata (tomato purée) into a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of water to the empty passata bottle, swirl it to rinse out the remainder, and pour it into the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and keep the broth hot over low heat.
- Flavor the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic cloves and chili flakes, allowing them to infuse the oil with bold flavor.
- Toast the Spaghetti: Add uncooked spaghetti directly to the skillet. Cook in the flavored olive oil, stirring only occasionally, to allow the pasta to develop slightly burnt, crispy, and caramelized edges.
- Cook with Passata Broth: Add a ladleful of the hot passata broth to the skillet, stirring to coat the spaghetti. Continue adding the broth one ladle at a time, letting it absorb completely before adding more. This process will take about 20 minutes.
- Achieve the Perfect Texture: Cook the spaghetti until it has crispy, caramelized edges while remaining tender in the center.
- Serve Hot: Once the spaghetti is cooked and the edges are perfectly crispy, serve immediately. Enjoy the bold, smoky flavors while hot!
Video
Notes
- Cook Raw Pasta Directly: Skip boiling! For authentic texture, cook the raw spaghetti directly in the tomato broth.
- Control the Heat: Alternate between medium and high heat to balance absorption and charring without scorching.
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a thick-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If making larger portions, cook in batches to achieve proper charring. Overcrowding the pan will ruin the texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Tailor chili flakes to your taste. Add small amounts gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish hot, as the signature crispy texture fades as it cools.