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Spaghetti with Capers and Anchovies_Midpage

Spaghetti with Capers and Anchovies

This spicy spaghetti with capers and anchovies is loaded with umami flavors from crushed red pepper, anchovies, capers, and a drizzle of anchovy oil.
4.41 from 10 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 443kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons capers drained and rinsed
  • 4-5 anchovies in oil
  • 1-2 teaspoons anchovy oil from the can
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • Crushed red pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup dry white wine or vegetable stock or water
  • 15 ounce can diced tomatoes or whole-peeled tomatoes
  • Pinch of sugar if necessary
  • 16 ounces dry spaghetti
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start the Sauce:

  • Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until it begins to soften.
  • Add the capers and anchovies and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the capers begin to turn golden brown. Using your spoon, mash the anchovies into the man until they 'melt'. Drizzle in 1-2 teaspoons of the anchovy oil from the can and season everything with a few generous shakes of crushed red pepper. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute or until it's fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
  • Melt the butter into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until it is bubbly and beginning to brown slightly.
  • Deglaze the pan with the white wine and bring to a boil for 3-4 minutes until it reduces slightly. Turn heat to low.

Simmer the Sauce:

  • Add the tomatoes and stir to combine. Simmer, covered, over the lowest heat for 30 minutes. Add more liquid (water or stock) as necessary if the sauce needs to be loosened up. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking. Taste and season again with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are acidic.

Cook the Spaghetti:

  • As the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • Drain the spaghetti and add the cooking water to the sauce and stir to combine. Add the spaghetti and, using tongs, toss to coat with the sauce until the spaghetti is glossy. Turn off the heat.

To Serve:

  • Divide the spaghetti between shallow bowls. Serve with parmesan cheese or black pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 262mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 10mg
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