Wholesome Sluts Pasta aka spaghetti alla puttanesca

Wholesome "Sluts" Pasta!

 

 

 

I'm no quite sure why this is sometimes known as sluts pasta or whores spaghetti (which is the translation of the name of this Italian dish). From my limited research it seems that this dish originated from the Italian street ladies who needed to make something quick before they saw another gentleman caller. Another reason is that is all made from no fresh ingredients so those who make it are slutty lazybones! Whatever the reason its a great name for a lovely simple pasta dish. Sharp and spicy it has a great flavour and it takes no time at all and is made from store cupboard ingredients which makes it a great standby dish. The "wholesome" part of the dish comes from using wholemeal pasta - tenuous link I know! The original version of this recipe calls for a handful of chopped black olives - not my cup of tea but of course you should feel free.....

 

Wholesome Sluts Pasta aka spaghetti alla puttanesca

1 clove garlic, sliced thinly
½ TSP dried chilli flakes (I used 1 TSP cos I like it hot)
4 - 6 anchovy fillets chopped roughly
2 tbsp olive oil
400g chopped tomatoes
250g dried spaghetti, although any pasta will do
1 DSP capers

 

Pour the olive oil into a pan and add the garlic, chilli flakes and anchovy fillets and gradually warm over a low heat. Stir as it cooks for five minutes or so until the anchovies start to disintegrate. Turn up the heat, adding the tomatoes. Leave to cook for 20 minutes or so. At the same time cook 250g of pasta. When the sauce is ready, stir in the capers (and olives if you want), then toss with the lightly drained pasta. Its that easy. I served with a simple salad and this recipe makes enough for two.

Whilst making this I listened to Laura White's EP - "What My Mother Taught Me" it's rather good, her voice is all raspy, rough and beautiful.