Legend has it that the dish got its ominous name from the fact that it is so spicy that it could “kill” someone. In reality, the origins of the name are a bit more lighthearted. The story goes that it was a favorite dish among the local fishermen, who would bring it along with them on their long voyages out to sea. The intense heat of the chili peppers served as a natural preservative, keeping the dish fresh for days without the need for refrigeration.
The beauty of spaghetti all’assassina is in its simplicity. The dish relies on just a few key ingredients, but the combination of flavors is truly explosive. The dish begins with the pasta, which is cooked in a pot of salted water until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, a simple tomato sauce is made by sautéing garlic and chili flakes in extra-virgin olive oil until fragrant. Diced tomatoes are then added to the pan and simmered until they break down into a thick, flavorful sauce.
The real secret to spaghetti all’assassina, however, lies in the addition of spicy Calabrian chili peppers. These small, fiery peppers are native to the southern Italian region of Calabria, but they are widely available throughout Italy and can often be found in specialty food stores in the United States. The peppers are sliced thinly and added to the pan along with the tomato sauce, infusing the dish with their intense heat and complex flavor.
Once the pasta is cooked, it is simply added to the pan with the sauce and tossed together until well coated. The finished dish is a beautiful tangle of spicy pasta and rich tomato sauce, with flecks of bright red chili peppers peeking out from every bite. It is a dish that will wake up your taste buds and leave your lips tingling.
Despite its ominous name, spaghetti all’assassina is a beloved dish in Bari and throughout southern Italy. It is the kind of dish that is enjoyed with friends and family, perhaps washed down with a glass of local red wine or a cold beer. It is a dish that speaks to the heart and soul of Italian cuisine – simple, flavorful, and made with love.
In conclusion, if you are a lover of spicy food, you should definitely try this famous dish from the city of Bari. It is a dish that will not disappoint, and will leave you craving more. With its rich tomato sauce and fiery chili peppers, spaghetti all’assassina is a true star of the Italian culinary world.