Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 6 anchovy fillets, minced
- 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
- ½ cup of pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons of capers
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- 250g of spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Once the aromatics are cooked, add the minced anchovy fillets to the skillet and stir until they dissolve into the oil.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Flavors
Pour the diced tomatoes into the skillet, along with the chopped Kalamata olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer and Season
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, anchovies and olives can be salty, so adjust accordingly.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil
Turn off the heat and add the torn fresh basil leaves to the sauce. Stir gently to incorporate the basil flavor into the sauce. The aroma of fresh basil will add a lovely fragrance to the dish.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti or pasta of your choice according to package instructions. Cook until al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly once added to the sauce.
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the puttanesca sauce. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the pasta with puttanesca sauce to serving plates or bowls. For an extra touch, you can garnish with some additional torn basil leaves. Serve hot and savor the rich and tangy flavors of this authentic Italian dish.
Authentic Puttanesca sauce is quick and easy to make, yet it delivers a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Next time you crave an Italian meal with a punch, give this recipe a try. Buon appetito!