Spaghetti with Anchovies

There’s something about pasta, cooked properly, that trumps all the other possibilities. And the smell of pasta boiling is a heady cheap thrill. With a few basic staple pantry items, a true feast can be ready in minutes.

Anchovy is ikan teri in Bahasa. 

If you’ve never tried anchovy pasta before, you’re in for a treat. If it sounds intimidating, don’t worry. This dish is incredibly easy, and the flavors aren’t overpowering. Anchovies and sliced garlic are gently warmed in extra virgin olive oil until the fillets essentially dissolve, creating a rich, savory sauce. This pasta recipe comes together in about 20 minutes. 

I had this for my lunch when I had nothing to eat. Easy and simple to do, all you need is spaghetti, anchovies, garlic, red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. I used tiny dried anchovies that I bought in an Indonesian supermarket here in Melbourne. You will love this recipe, you won't be disappointed!

Jackie | Bentleigh

SPAGHETTI WITH ANCHOVIES

Extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
Tiny dried Anchovy
Red pepper flakes 
Spaghetti
Parsley or basil leaves - I run out of it 
Salt 

Parmesan cheese

In a large sauce pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil.

Place a flat-sided pan over medium-low heat then add the olive oil. Add the garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes and cook slowly, stirring occasionally with a  wooden spoon, until the garlic is fragrant. Keep an eye on the pan to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Meanwhile, once the pasta water reaches a boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. 

Use tongs to carefully transfer the pasta directly from the boiling water to the sauté pan (you want some pasta water to transfer; it will help create the sauce).

Increase the heat to medium and toss the pasta with the pan ingredients. If needed, add a small drizzle each of the oil and pasta water to keep everything smooth. Taste the pasta and season with salt to taste.

Transfer to individual serving plates or bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.