BUCATINI PUTTANESCA

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Bucatini Puttanesca image

The intense flavors and aromas of puttanesca sauce, which relies on pantry staples such as olives, capes, and red-pepper flakes, are perfectly complemented by bucatini -- thick, hollow spaghetti-like strands, similar to perciatelli.Adapted from from the book "Lucinda's Rustic Italian Kitchen," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Wiley).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Pasta and Grains

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup black olives, such as Gaeta or nicoise, rinsed, pitted, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup Italian-style green olives, rinsed, pitted, and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons capers, preferably salt-packed, thoroughly soaked and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
1 can (28 ounces) best-quality tomatoes, half pureed, half roughly crushed
1 sprig fresh basil, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Coarse salt
1 pound bucatini pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Place olive oil and garlic in a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the garlic begins to sizzle but not brown, about 30 seconds. Add the olives, capers, and 1/4 teaspoon of the red-pepper flakes. Add the pureed and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the basil sprig, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and the oregano, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, generously salt the boiling water. Add the pasta, and cook until tender but still firm. Set the timer for 2 minutes less than the package instructions specify, and taste for doneness. Drain the pasta, and toss with the sauce. Serve with additional red-pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly torn basil leaves.

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