A Spicy Delight: Spaghetti all’Assassina
Spaghetti all’Assassina is a traditional dish from Bari’s culinary tradition, known for its strong flavor and unusual preparation. This dish, which stands out for its crunchiness and spicy taste, has become a legend in the Apulian gastronomic scene.
The Origins
The origins of Spaghetti all’Assassina are shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: this dish was born in Bari, the capital of Apulia. It is said that Spaghetti all’Assassina originated in the 1970s in a restaurant in Bari called “Al Sorso Preferito”. The creator of the dish, according to legend, was a chef who wanted to surprise his customers with a pasta with a unique and spicy flavor, capable of “assassinating” the palate with its strong taste.
The Legend
The legend says that the name “all’Assassina” comes from this pasta’s ability to hit the senses so strongly that it seems almost “deadly”. Some say the name is linked to the generous use of chili, which makes the pasta particularly spicy. Others claim that the name came from the crunchiness of the spaghetti, which are “assassinated” by the hot pan during cooking.
The Recipe
Preparing Spaghetti all’Assassina requires few ingredients but a particular technique. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 200 g spaghetti
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 2 garlic cloves
- Chili pepper (fresh or powder) to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Salt to taste
- Sugar (optional)
Method:
- Preparing the sauce:
- In a large pan, pour a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fry the whole garlic cloves (you can remove them once they are golden).
- Add the chili pepper, adjusting to your tolerance for spiciness.
- Pour in the tomato puree, adjust the salt, and, if necessary, a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- Cooking the spaghetti:
- Unlike the classic pasta cooking in boiling water, for Spaghetti all’Assassina, the spaghetti is cooked directly in the pan with the sauce.
- Place the raw spaghetti in the pan and add hot water little by little, as you do with a risotto.
- Stir constantly to prevent the spaghetti from sticking and burning.
- Keep adding water and stirring until the spaghetti is al dente.
- Final stage:
- At the end of cooking, let the spaghetti form a crispy crust on the bottom of the pan.
- Serve Spaghetti all’Assassina hot, enjoying the contrast between the softness of the pasta and the crunchiness of the surface.
Conclusion
Spaghetti all’Assassina is much more than just a pasta dish; it represents the fiery soul of Bari’s cuisine. This unique dish combines a passion for intense flavors with a cooking technique that enhances each ingredient. The crunchiness of the pasta, combined with the depth of the tomato and the heat of the chili, creates an unforgettable culinary experience, capable of conquering even the most demanding palates.
Preparing Spaghetti all’Assassina is a journey that starts from tradition and reaches modernity, keeping alive the history and legends surrounding this dish. Whether you are looking to surprise your guests with something new or rediscover the authentic flavors of Apulia, this dish is the perfect choice.
All that remains is to get cooking and try to make this crunchy and spicy delight. Enjoy your meal, and may each bite of Spaghetti all’Assassina transport you directly to the sunny streets of Bari, where cooking is an art and every dish tells a story.
