I was told that this recipe stems from the Sicilian peasants but I’m not Sicilian and cannot say for sure. But regardless of that, this simple pasta combines ingredients you probably would not think to put together but it is really tasty and the kids LOVE it! I usually have these ingredients available at home, so it doesn’t require a trip to the store.
Sicilian Peasant Pasta
Ingredients
1lb fusilli pasta
1/4c extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic crushed
6 anchovy fillets chopped or 2t anchovy paste
1c panko or regular bread crumbs
freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare pasta according to the package. I like using fusilli for this recipe because it will hold the bits of bread crumb in the nooks and crannies for the perfect bite but any pasta will do.
2. During the last 5 minutes of cooking the pasta, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan on medium low. Add garlic and anchovies and stir fry for about 30 seconds until the anchovy melts.
3. Add the bread crumbs and stir well, cooking for a few more minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and add to the mixture in the frying pan. Combine well.
5. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Enjoy with a green salad for a balanced meal. Give it a try and let me know what you think!