Ingredients:
– 1 pound of pasta (penne, fusilli, or any other shape will work)
– 1 can of anchovies (or anchovies, if available)
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the anchovies and cook them until they start to break apart, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the diced tomato and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the tomato starts to break down and create a sauce.
4. Add the pasta to the pan and stir to combine with the anchovy sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let the pasta cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.
6. Serve the pasta cold, garnished with some fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
The beauty of this dish is that it can be easily customized to your liking. If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can omit them or replace them with another protein, such as tuna or chicken. You can also add some vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, for some extra nutrition and flavor. As for the pasta, feel free to use any shape or type you like, as long as it’s a sturdy one that can hold up to the sauce.
One thing to keep in mind is that anchovies can be quite salty, so you may want to go easy on the salt when you add it to the pasta. You can also rinse the anchovies under running water to remove some of the saltiness before cooking them.
In addition to being a tasty and refreshing meal, cold pasta with anchovies is also a healthy one. Anchovies are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain function and cardiovascular health. They also provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, and the tomato provides vitamin C and other antioxidants.
In conclusion, cold pasta with anchovies is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer. It’s easy to make, healthy, and versatile. Whether you’re a fan of anchovies or not, give this a try and see if it becomes a new favorite. Buon appetito!