Spaghetti with garlic, chilli, breadcrumbs & anchovies

Spaghetti with Garlic, Chilli, Breadcrumbs & Anchovies

A quick and flavorful pasta dish, perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe combines the simplicity of spaghetti with the robust flavors of garlic, chili, anchovies, and toasted breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dish.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g dried spaghetti

• A small handful of coarse breadcrumbs, preferably from ciabatta

• ⅓-½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1-2 fresh long red chilies, seeded and finely chopped

• A handful of flat-leaf parsley, stalks finely chopped, leaves roughly chopped

• 3 anchovy fillets

• ½ cup freshly grated pecorino cheese

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.

2. Toast the Breadcrumbs:

   • In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the breadcrumbs until crisp and golden. Set aside.

3. Infuse the Oil:

   • In a separate frying pan, combine the olive oil, finely chopped garlic, chilies, finely chopped parsley stalks, and anchovy fillets.

   • Warm the oil gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

   • Remove the pan from the heat.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the infused olive oil mixture.

   • Add the roughly chopped parsley leaves, toasted breadcrumbs, and grated pecorino cheese.

   • Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

   • Toss thoroughly to coat the spaghetti with the ingredients.

   • Serve immediately.

Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti.

• Frying Pan (2):

  • One for toasting the breadcrumbs.

  • One for infusing the oil with garlic, chili, and anchovies.

• Colander or Strainer: For draining the cooked spaghetti.

• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the garlic, chilies, and parsley.

• Grater: For grating the pecorino cheese.

• Spoon or Tongs: For stirring and tossing the pasta.

• Measuring Cups/Spoons (Optional): While not strictly required for this simple recipe, they can help ensure consistent measurements.