Linguine Puttanesca

Puttanesca sauce is a pungent, robust, briny, full bodied red sauce traditionally comprised of olive oil, tomatoes, capers, garlic, black olives, green olives, and anchovies.  And if I’m making it, a splash of wine.  It’s delicious, but not everyone can handle it.  My mother won’t eat it, but my daughter loves it.

Italian food is fun because its very name tells you what you’re eating:  Al Forno means “baked”,  Cacciatore “in the style of the hunter”, and Puttanesca is “in the style of the prostitute.”  Loosely translated, Linguine Puttanesca is “whore’s spaghetti.”   Yes, really.

In honor of  National Linguine Day, I offer you this recipe.  Make it for someone you’re kinda “iffy” about—if they can’t handle it, they can’t stay.  Period.  Gotta go.  Nice knowin’ ya.   ARRIVEDERCI, puttanesca haters.   Except my mom…Gigga can stay :)  

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(WHAT YOU WILL NEED)

Serves 4

1 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes  (do not drain)

1 28 ounce can whole tomatoes, crushed with your hands

Capers

Kalamata olives, pitted, halved lengthwise

Spanish green olives, pitted, halved lengthwise

3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

olive oil

1 tin flat anchovies, packed in oil 

Fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped (1 handful)

1 pound linguine

1 large skillet with lid (not frying pan)

cracked black pepper

splash dry white or red wine

optional:  salt

Start sauce:

drizzle olive oil in skillet and add garlic and 2 or 3 anchovies from the tin.  Save the rest for another use.   Saute over medium-high heat until the anchovies disappear into the oil.  Add tomatoes and some black pepper, stir.  

Add as many capers and olives as you would like.  Stir all and add a splash of dry wine. Let the sauce start bubbling, turn heat to low, and cover.  While your sauce simmers, cook pasta.

simmering sauce

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Rinse and chop parsley for garnish.

When pasta is ready, drain and top with some sauce and parsley.

I can't imagine it will need more salt but if it does, add that too--then go get your heart checked...

EAT  

done...and full  :)

#NationalLinguineDay