Spaghetti Alla Carrettiera Ricetta Originale Toscana
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you've probably heard of Spaghetti alla Carrettiera. This classic pasta dish hails from Tuscany and is known for its simple yet delicious flavor profile. The dish is made with just a few key ingredients, including fresh tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers, and is often served with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of Spaghetti alla Carrettiera, as well as the traditional recipe and some tips for making it at home.
The History of Spaghetti alla Carrettiera
The origins of Spaghetti alla Carrettiera can be traced back to the streets of Palermo, Sicily. Carrettieri, or cart drivers, would travel around the city selling goods from their carts. They often carried simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers, which they would use to create a quick and flavorful pasta dish on the go.
Over time, this dish became popular throughout Italy, with each region putting its own spin on the recipe. In Tuscany, the dish evolved to include a few additional ingredients, like anchovies and parsley, which help to balance out the heat from the chili peppers.
The Traditional Recipe for Spaghetti alla Carrettiera
Now that we've explored the history of this delicious pasta dish, let's take a closer look at the traditional recipe for Spaghetti alla Carrettiera.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 fresh chili peppers, finely chopped
- 4 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili peppers and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes (and anchovies, if using) to the skillet and cook until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is coated in the sauce.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
As you can see, the recipe for Spaghetti alla Carrettiera is quite simple and straightforward. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to let them shine.
Tips for Making Spaghetti alla Carrettiera at Home
If you're planning to make Spaghetti alla Carrettiera at home, here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Use fresh and ripe tomatoes for the sauce. If you can't find good quality fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes instead.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, you can use less chili peppers or remove the seeds before chopping them.
- If you're using anchovies, be sure to chop them finely so that they melt into the sauce.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta. While Spaghetti is the traditional choice for this dish, you can also use other long and thin pasta shapes, like linguine or bucatini.
In Conclusion
Spaghetti alla Carrettiera is a delicious and unique pasta dish that's perfect for when you're in the mood for something simple yet flavorful. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer something milder, this dish is easy to customize to suit your taste.
If you're looking to try something new in the kitchen, why not give Spaghetti alla Carrettiera a try? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's sure to impress.
