Fresh Sicilian Spaghetti Recipe | Carrettiera Pasta
Looking for an authentic Sicilian spaghetti recipe that bursts with fresh flavors? Look no further! This Pasta alla Carrettiera is a traditional Sicilian dish that blends simple, fresh ingredients into an unforgettable meal: garlic, chili pepper, olive oil, pecorino cheese and tomato!
Equipment
- 1 skillet or sauce pan
- 1 Large Pot to cook the pasta
- 1 large bowl to mix the ingredients
- 1 small bowl to mix the pecorino paste
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 minced fresh chili pepper or to taste
- 5 oz pecorino cheese preferably semi-aged; finely grated to a powder
- 11 oz fresh tomatoes optional; cherry, grape or your choice
- 11 oz spaghetti
Toasted Breadcrumbs ("Poor Man's Parmigiano")- OPTIONAL
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 clove fresh garlic minced
- 1 filet anchovies optional; to melt in the oil before toasting the breadcrumbs in the pan
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Dice the fresh tomatoes (skins on)... ...Or, if using bigger tomatoes with tougher skins, score the tomatoes. Then, boil the tomatoes for a minute in the water you will use to cook the pasta. Peel the tomatoes, then dice them. Set the tomatoes aside.
Toast the Breadcrumbs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan. Add an extra minced garlic clove and the breadcrumbs. Toast them over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. In the meantime...
Prepare the Fresh Condiment
- Mince the garlic and chili pepper. Combine them with the olive oil in a large bowl and let them infuse together off the heat, allowing the flavors to meld gently.
Prepare the Pecorino Paste
- Drizzle hot water from the cooking pasta into the finely grated pecorino cheese and mix vigorously. Add just enough water to create a smooth and creamy paste. The paste will resemble ricotta cheese, but creamier!
Finish the Pasta alla Carrettiera
- Drain the pasta and mix it with the garlic and pepper-infused oil (off the heat). Add the pecorino cheese paste along with another ladle of hot pasta water. Mix until the pasta is coated with a creamy sauce. Add the tomatoes, top with breadcrumbs (optional) and serve!
Video
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