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Ricette di Sicilia

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Pasta alla Pantesca: A Lush Symphony of Mediterranean Flavours

Pasta alla Pantesca: A Lush Symphony of Mediterranean Flavours

Master the authentic Pasta alla Pantesca, a Sicilian classic bursting with sun-kissed tomatoes, briny capers and olives, and fragrant herbs.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 20 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 15 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Summer
4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 320g pasta of your choice (fusilli, rigatoni or spaghetti work wonderfully)
  • 6 anchovies in oil
  • 1 onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 70g pitted green olives
  • 30g desalted capers
  • 300g ripe tomatoes
  • A small bunch of fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 50g breadcrumbs
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
350 Kcal
Protein
10 g
Fat
10 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fiber
5 g
Sugars
5 g
Sodium
500 mg

If you’re yearning to bring a touch of the Mediterranean’s warmth and passion to your table, Pasta alla Pantesca fits the bill beautifully. Originating from the enchanting island of Pantelleria, this dish is a tribute to Sicily’s rich flavours: ripe cherry tomatoes, salty capers, plump olives, fragrant oregano and, naturally, a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. With just a little effort, you’ll create a straightforward, wholesome dish that smells irresistible and tastes like a hug from the Mediterranean sun.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for a minute, then plunge them into iced water before roughly chopping.

  2. 2

    Toast the breadcrumbs gently in a dry pan until golden, then stir through a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

  3. 3

    Warm a splash of olive oil in a large pan and melt in the anchovies with a little water.

  4. 4

    Add finely chopped garlic and onion, softening gently and adding a splash of warm water if things look too dry.

  5. 5

    Stir in the sliced olives, capers and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, letting it cook for about 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle in the oregano and chopped parsley, stirring well to marry all the flavours.

  7. 7

    Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve a little of the cooking water before draining.

  8. 8

    Toss the pasta in the pan with the sauce, adding a splash of olive oil and some reserved cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.

  9. 9

    Finish with the toasted breadcrumbs and a final scattering of fresh parsley before serving up straight away.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a heartier twist, stir through some tuna in oil or a pinch of chilli flakes to add a little kick. You could also swap the green olives for black ones to boost the depth of flavour.

📦 Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil and a little water to keep it nice and moist.
  • Avoid freezing as it can alter the texture of the sauce.
  • You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Keep the toasted breadcrumbs separate in a sealed jar to preserve their crispness.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this delightful pasta with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Rosso Novello — a ruby-hued, fruity wine that brings out all those gorgeous Mediterranean aromas.

Give this vibrant Pasta alla Pantesca a go at home and let the bold, sunny flavours transport you straight to Sicily’s shores. It’s a fuss-free dish that feels wonderfully special, perfect for sharing with family or friends on a warm summer evening. Do serve it up with a glass of your favourite wine and enjoy the simple joy of a meal made with love and tradition.

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