Macaroni from the Island of Ischia
3 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 C. capers, preferably salt-packed, rinsed and coarsely chopped
Pinch of dried oregano
1/4 C. broad crumbs
2 plump garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. maccheroni
6 anchovy fillets, coarsely chopped
1/3 C. of coarsely chopped black olives, pitted
3/4 C. diced mozzarella, preferably buffalo-milk
2 lb. ripe tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 C. torn basil leaves
Pinch of crumbled dried red chili
Sea salt (optional)
Combine 2 T. of the olive oil and the garlic in a skillet over medium-low heat. Gently sweat the garlic until it is very soft, but do not let it brown. Add the anchovies and m them with a fork into the garlicky oil. Stir in the tomatoes, capers, and olives and cook about minutes. Taste and add salt if you wish. Now stir in the chili and oregano and simmer for a 10 minutes. Add a little water from time to time if the sauce starts to stick. Meanwhile, bring 6 quarts of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. In a separate small skillet, combine the bread crumbs with the remaining T. of olive oil. Set over medium heat and toast the crumbs, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside. Cook the pasta until done to taste, then drain. Or cook until slightly underdone, drain, let it finish cooking in the simmering sauce. Mix the pasta and sauce together and stir in the cubes of mozzarella and some of the basil, along with a couple of T. of crisp bread crumbs. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish the top with the rest of the bread crumbs and basil. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
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