Assassin’s spaghetti, known in Italy as spaghetti all’assassinais, is not your typical Italian dish; it’s a mouthwatering creation born out of an impromptu request in 1967 at a small restaurant in Bari, Italy. Two patrons asked for something delicious and hearty, and that’s when Chef Francavilla concocted a crispy caramelized spaghetti with a spicy tomato kick. The patrons declared it was “killer,” and thus, Assassin’s Spaghetti was born.
Recipe Origins
While you can find various assassin’s spaghetti recipes on the internet, my recipe is inspired by the authentic preparation at L’Assassineria Urbana, located in the city where this cult-favorite dish was born. This restaurant in Bari, Italy is dedicated solely to perfecting the art of making this unique and delectable dish. If you want to see how Chef Celso prepares it, check out Claudia Romeo’s video for a firsthand experience.
The Cooking Method
The preparation of assassin’s spaghetti follows a method akin to making risotto. Dry-toasting the pasta in extra virgin olive oil, chili flakes, and garlic infuses the flavors right from the start. Then, marinara and water are added to the mix. As the pasta simmers, it absorbs these savory elements. As the liquid reduces, the marinara sauce and pasta begin to caramelize and char, resulting in a delightful, crispy spaghetti with a spicy tomato kick. You’ll find that our marinara recipe works wonderfully here, but I recommend substituting garlic with onion for that authentic touch.
In Conclusion
Assassin’s Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that invites you to have fun and break the rules. The crispy texture, the rich marinara, and the bold spices come together in a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
We invite you to try out this one-of-a-kind dish and experience the flavors of Bari, Italy, right in your own kitchen. The recipe is simple to follow, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey with Assassin’s Spaghetti. Your taste buds will thank you.
Leave Your Review
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Assassin’s Spaghetti
3
servings5
minutes45
minutesAssassin’s Spaghetti is not your typical Italian pasta dish. Its crispy, crunchy, robust, caramelized flavors are truly killer.
Ingredients
3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1.5 tsp chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 pound spaghetti
2 cups marinara sauce (sub garlic for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion in our recipe)
2 cups water (plus more as needed)
Directions
- In a large iron or cast-iron pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and chili flakes to the hot oil. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add the dried spaghetti to the pan and toss it to evenly coat it with the flavored oil. Continue to sauté for a few minutes until the spaghetti becomes toasted.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the spaghetti (take caution of hot splatters), and then add the 2 cups of water. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The goal is to cook the pasta to “al dente,” which should take around 25 minutes. Add more water if necessary to prevent the pasta from sticking and to reach your desired level of tenderness.
- As the liquid reduces, it will start to sizzle, and the pasta and sauce will begin to caramelize and char. Allow the char to build up for a couple of minutes before flipping the pasta.
- Continue cooking until the pasta and sauce have crisped to your liking. This will give the dish its signature “all’assassina” (killer) flavor and texture.
Notes
- Wearing an apron or dark clothing is ideal as the oil and red sauce will splatter some.
