As surprising as this may sound, anchovies are my secret weapon and I put them in many of my favorite dishes. Initially, people are very skeptical when they hear that I use anchovies in my recipes. After all, they aren’t exactly visually appealing, and tend to turn most people off. “Trust me,” I tell them, “you will not even recognize them and you will love the dish!” I have altered the opinions of many people because the anchovies melt into the sauce, masking their less than appetizing appearance. This makes a big difference in the dish, as you cannot see them, but you can taste them! Many of my son’s friends have come for dinner and I ask them if they like anchovies. They always say no but they end up loving the dinner I make. It is the anchovies I tell them! You have been reformed!
So you think that pasta sauces are time-consuming and difficult to make? Not so! Turns out this easy, go-to pasta sauce is quick and yes….it has anchovies. Pick a pasta that has edges, such as rollatini. This helps the sauce stick to the pasta. This sauce is yummy and a “keeper” in my recipe archives!
Ingredients for the Pasta Sauce
2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes
4 tbsp olive oil
8 anchovies in oil, drained
1 whole shallot, chopped (you can substitute white onion if you don’t have shallots)
7 cloves garlic, minced or chopped very small
1 cup white wine
5-6 springs fresh oregano, chopped (or 2-3 tablespoons dried)
5-6 sprigs fresh thyme chopped (or 2-3 tablespoons dried)
Juice of ½ lemon
1/2 tbsp Kosher salt
1/2 tbsp Pepper
Cook pasta according to package directions minus 3 minutes. Save one cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil in pan over medium heat.
Add anchovies and cook until they melt.
Place shallots in pan and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in white wine and lemon juice.
Let wine reduce about 4 minutes.
Add tomatoes to the pan, crushing each one with your fingers.
Add the herbs, salt and pepper.
Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Transfer pasta to sauce. Mix well. Add small amounts of pasta water until the sauce reaches the thickness you prefer.
You may not need all of the pasta water.
Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Now you have a delicious pasta ready for your family or friends!
It’s that simple! Thank you Simone!
