Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Garlic, Olive Oil and Chilli: Simple, Soulful Sicilian Flavours
Whip up this classic Sicilian spaghetti alla chitarra tossed with garlic, olive oil and a touch of chilli – a quick, vibrant dish bursting with Mediterranean charm.
📖 What is it
Whip up this classic Sicilian spaghetti alla chitarra tossed with garlic, olive oil and a touch of chilli – a quick, vibrant dish bursting with Mediterranean charm.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400g spaghetti alla chitarra (or any long pasta)
- ✓ 4 garlic cloves
- ✓ 1 fresh or dried red chilli
- ✓ A small bunch of fresh parsley
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Grated Sicilian pecorino cheese, to serve
📊 Nutritional Information
Let the rich aromas of Sicily sweep you away with this spaghetti alla chitarra recipe featuring garlic, olive oil and chilli. Rooted in rustic tradition, it celebrates humble ingredients transformed into a bold, comforting feast – perfect for cosy evenings shared with loved ones.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti alla chitarra until just half done.
- 2
Meanwhile, warm the extra virgin olive oil in a wide frying pan with finely chopped garlic and sliced chilli rings.
- 3
Gently fry over a medium heat until the garlic turns golden, then add a ladle of the pasta cooking water to create a light emulsion.
- 4
Drain the pasta al dente and toss it straight into the pan with the sauce.
- 5
Stir in the chopped parsley and toss over a high heat for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the flavours meld beautifully.
- 6
Serve immediately, piping hot, with a generous sprinkle of grated pecorino and a drizzle of raw olive oil if you fancy.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a milder twist, leave out the chilli and add a zest of lemon for a fresh, lively note.
- •
To make it heartier, stir in some sautéed fresh prawns or sprinkle with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parsley and pecorino.
- •
Using handmade spaghetti alla chitarra really brings out the rustic texture and helps the sauce cling perfectly.
- •
For a vegan option, skip the cheese and swap the breadcrumbs for toasted, chopped almonds to add crunch and flavour.
- •
The magic of this dish lies in balancing the sweet, slowly fried garlic with the gentle heat of the chilli – together they create a perfect harmony.
📦 Storage
- • Best enjoyed fresh to savour the full fragrance and texture.
- • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of extra virgin olive oil to keep the pasta silky and revive the aromas.
🍷 Pairing
To complement this boldly flavoured dish, try a Sicilian white like Grillo from the Contea di Sclafani – its crispness and aromatic notes beautifully balance the chilli’s kick. Alternatively, a young Catarratto or a Ligurian Vermentino offer equally elegant and refreshing matches.
Making spaghetti alla chitarra with garlic, olive oil and chilli is like taking a little trip to the heart of Sicily, where simplicity is pure art. Do give this recipe a go at home and share it with your nearest and dearest – it’s a dish that warms the soul and always wins hearts at the table.
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