Spaghetti All'assassina Cook's Illustrated
Spaghetti all'assassina, or assassin's spaghetti, is a classic Italian dish that is known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. Recently, Cook's Illustrated released their own version of this timeless recipe, and it has quickly become a fan favorite. In this article, we will dive deep into the history of spaghetti all'assassina, explore Cook's Illustrated's take on the dish, and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious and deadly recipe.
The History of Spaghetti All'assassina
The origins of spaghetti all'assassina can be traced back to the southern Italian region of Calabria. Legend has it that this dish was created by a group of bandits who roamed the countryside, stealing food and other supplies from local farmers. In order to make their stolen goods last longer, the bandits would add spicy peppers and other ingredients to their meals. Over time, this recipe became known as spaghetti all'assassina due to its fiery nature.
Despite its violent name, spaghetti all'assassina is now considered a beloved dish in Italy and around the world. Many chefs and home cooks have put their own spin on the recipe, adding different types of meats, vegetables, and spices to create unique variations of the classic dish.
Cook's Illustrated's Take on Spaghetti All'assassina
Cook's Illustrated, a popular cooking magazine and website, recently released their own recipe for spaghetti all'assassina. Their version of the dish features a spicy tomato sauce, ground beef, and a variety of herbs and spices. The recipe also includes a secret ingredient that gives the dish its signature kick: Calabrian chili paste.
According to Cook's Illustrated, the key to making a delicious spaghetti all'assassina is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the sauce slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, complex sauce that is bursting with flavor.
How to Make Spaghetti All'assassina
Now that you know the history of spaghetti all'assassina and have learned about Cook's Illustrated's take on the dish, it's time to try making it for yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide to making spaghetti all'assassina:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Calabrian chili paste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Calabrian chili paste, oregano, basil, parsley, sugar, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the more flavorful it will be.
- Serve the spaghetti with the sauce on top, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Spaghetti all'assassina is a delicious and spicy Italian dish that has a rich history and a loyal following. Whether you choose to follow Cook's Illustrated's recipe or put your own spin on the dish, you are sure to enjoy the bold flavors and complex spices that make spaghetti all'assassina a true standout in the world of pasta dishes.