Spaghetti with Sweet Onion and Anchovy

Anchovy Fillet Varies

In the cookbook, it calls for about 2 anchovy fillets for one portion. But when I tasted it, I found that the flavour was weak, so I doubled it.

Actually, not every anchovy fillet product is the same. Some are covered in salt (so you have to clean them before use), some are soaked in oil. Some are larger pieces (like this premium one), and, of course, some are in smaller size.

So, remember to taste while cooking. And in my case, with the above-shown product, I used 4 anchovy fillets (maybe can up to 5).

If only use anchovy for making sauce, anchovy puree is a smart alternative since it’s handy.

Add More Vegetables to Pasta

I noticed that the ‘authentic’ pasta sold in Italian restaurants, have quite fewer ingredients and you seem to like only eating the pasta and sauce. My assumption is that in Italy, pasta is a primi (first course), then you’ll have a main course.

However, at home, I mostly cook one-course pasta, which should have more vegetables and is nutrient balance. So, forget about authenticity, I like to add more vegetables to my pasta and, in this case, mushrooms and a handful of spinach are a good match.

Ingredients

Serves 1

80 g spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
4 anchovy fillets (in olive oil)
a handful of spinach
4 mushrooms, cut into about 3 mm slices
salt and pepper
a little of extra virgin olive oil

Making of spaghetti with sweet onion and anchovy.

How to Make Spaghetti with Sweet Onion and Anchovy

Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the onions with a pinch of salt, sauté over low heat for about 20 minutes, until they are very soft and translucent. If it looks too dry or getting brown, splash in 2-3 tbsp hot water. The goal here is to get it slowly softened but not coloured.
While the onions are half-way done, stir in the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them slowly release the umami flavour.
Meanwhile, boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti.
Tip the anchovy fillets into the pan, use a wooden spoon or tongs to break them up. Stir well with other ingredients. Splash in pasta cooking water if it’s too dry. Have a taste. Add more anchovy if required.
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt a bit. When the spaghetti is ready, use a tongs to grab it and directly transfer it to the pan. Give everything a quick stir. Drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil and a few twists of black pepper before serving.

Other Easy and Tasty Pasta Recipes

If you’re looking for more easy and tasty pasta recipes, here are some recommendations for you.