Spaghetti all’Assassina
Learn how to make Spaghetti all'Assassina (Assassin's Spaghetti), a traditional Italian dish known for its bold flavors and crispy texture. Perfect for those who love a spicy kick, this recipe brings the essence of Bari's iconic street food right to your kitchen. Follow along as we guide you step-by-step to create this delicious pasta dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and satisfying!
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 1200kcal