I am getting old. Why do I know it? One night out ends up as few days recovery time. Some people can’t even look at food after having one too many. I am totally opposite and I could ‘eat a horse’ (please don’t be alarmed, this is just the way we say it in Poland when we are really hungry ;-)). I usually crave comforting, belly warming food, that will make me feel better.
One of the foods that I can eat a lot is pasta or noodles, ramen, anything that has some sort of pasta in it will give me just what I need in the miserable day. This pasta puttanesca is one of the quick dishes I love eating when not feeling quite myself… It is also perfect midweek dinner, as it takes just 15 minutes to make.
Pasta Puttanesca
This pasta is so quick that you won't even think of ordering take away.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic finally chopped
- 4 anchovies plus oil chopped
- 1 tsp chilli flakes or less if you don't want it too spicy
- 1 tbsp capers
- 0.5 courgette chopped
- 1 tin tomatoes
- 1 handful olives cut in halves
- parmesan or pecorino
- wholewheat spaghetti pasta
- smoked salt to taste optional
Instructions
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First boil the water for pasta and cook al dente according to instructions
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When the pasta is boiling, pour oil from the anchovies onto hot frying pan and add chopped garlic and anchovies, followed by chilli flakes. You need to move fast so the garlic don't burn.
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Add capers and chopped courgette. At this stage the anchovies should be dissolved.
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Add tinned tomatoes and halved olives and cook until pasta is ready.
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When the pasta is done, drain it and pour generous amount of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with parmesan and if you like tiny pinch of smokes salt. There is no need for salt as the anchovies and capers already would have seasoned it, but I think smoked salt gives an extra dimension.
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Tuck in and feel like human again!
If you would like a bit more healthy version of it, you could check out my http://www.polkafoodie.com/quinoa-puttanesca-bowl/