Ziti alla Palermitana with Sicilian Twist

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) ziti pasta 400g (14 oz) ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Pecorino cheese, for garnish Grated Pecorino cheese, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 8g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the anchovy fillets to the skillet and cook until they dissolve into the oil.
4. 4.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, black olives, capers, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Ziti alla Palermitana hot, garnished with grated Pecorino cheese and fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether. They add a depth of flavor to the sauce, but the dish will still be delicious without them.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the anchovies and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes according to your taste.
• Serve the Ziti alla Palermitana with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors will further develop, making it even more delicious.
• Feel free to add some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish for an extra cheesy touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Ziti alla Palermitana as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate of Ziti alla Palermitana with a sprinkle of grated Pecorino cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the dish will be visually appealing.