Spaghetti with Colatura di Alici recipe
a simple dish packed with flavour
you will need:
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 5 tablespoons (75ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 450g dried spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) Colatura, plus extra as needed (see note)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest from 1 lemon
method
- In a small skillet, combine breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until toasted and golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer breadcrumbs to a small bowl, and season lightly with salt. Set aside.
- In a Dutch oven or medium pot, bring 3 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat. Add spaghetti to water and cook, stirring frequently during the first minute to prevent pasta from sticking. Cook pasta until al dente.
- Meanwhile, in a very large bowl, combine colatura, garlic, and pepper flakes. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, followed by 2 tablespoons (30ml) pasta water, to form an emulsion.
- Transfer pasta to bowl along with another 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water and parsley. Vigorously toss and stir pasta to emulsify sauce and coat with noodles. Add breadcrumbs and toss to combine. Pasta should be well-coated with creamy, emulsified sauce. If it seems dry, add extra pasta water, 1 tablespoon (15ml) at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add lemon zest and taste pasta for seasoning, adding a final splash of colatura if needed. Serve immediately.
Recipe Credit: www.seriouseats.com Photo Credit: Vicky Wasik