I’m always looking for easy pasta recipes, and I’m a huge fan of puttanesca–sweet tomatoes combined with salty olives, along with the tang of capers. What more could you ask for in a pasta sauce? Top your favorite variety of pasta and dinner is served. For best results, choose high quality black olives (don’t forget to remove the pits!) and sweet, juicy organic tomatoes. Serve with a tasty red wine, arugula salad, a fresh baguette and you’re eating restaurant-style on the cheap. If you fancy a thicker sauce, feel free to reduce the sauce for a few extra minutes.
Homemade Puttanesca Spaghetti
1/2 pound organic spaghetti of your choice
3 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large heirloom tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup high quality black olives, pits removed
2 tbsp capers
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat to medium. Add in garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes and cook for five minutes. Add in olives and capers and cook for five minutes to reduce. Add parsley, red pepper flakes, and remaining seasonings. Cook for five more minutes. Make sure the heat isn’t too high.
3. At the same time, cook spaghetti as per the directions.
4. Serve puttanesca sauce over spaghetti. Garnish with remaining chopped parsley along with a high quality farm cheese.
Serves 4.
Photo: raitank
