Pasta Puttanesca: Hooker's Pasta

This is probably my favorite tomato based sauce in the world.
It's CHEAP and EASY! (hence the name!).

There is much debate as to where the name of this sauce comes from.

The word "puttana" in Italian means "whore" or "prostitute".
Read this interesting Wikipedia article to see the origins of my favorite peasant sauce.

There is no real recipe for this sauce, it was created from things that you might have (& that I always have) in my larder.

Anchovies
Capers
Garlic
Olives
Can of tomatoes



You can use more or less of any ingredient and if you double it you can freeze some for later!

Here is how I make it:

~ 1/2 can anchovies
~ 3 tbsp olive oil
~ 3-4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
~ handful of capers
~ handful of good black olives (kalamata or gaeta) NEVER use canned rubber olives!
~ 1 28 oz. can of San Marzano tomatoes with juice (you can use any canned tomatoes, crushed or chopped tomatoes are fine too)
~ fresh oregano or basil if you have it
~ dash of hot pepper flakes

In a heavy skillet, heat your olive oil on medium and cook your anchovies and garlic until the anchovies start to dissolve.

Add your tomatoes, olives, capers and seasonings and simmer about 30 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick.

Serve over penne or linguine.
This makes enough sauce for 1 lb. of pasta to serve 4 people.



It's SO good and yet SO simple.