Spaghetti all'assassina: Recipe and Traditions
Spaghetti all'Assassina: History, Recipe, and Barese Tradition
Spaghetti all'Assassina are a true symbol of Barese and Apulian cuisine, a genuine celebration of the flavors of Southern Italy. With their distinctive crispy and slightly charred taste, these spaghetti embody the culinary tradition of Puglia. Today, they are at the center of local stories and legends, partly thanks to Barese writer Gabriella Genisio, author of crime novels that inspired the Italian TV series Le Indagini di Lolita Lobosco, starring Luisa Ranieri.
Origins and Meaning of the Name
Spaghetti all'Assassina originated in Bari's restaurants in the 1960s as a clever way to repurpose leftover pasta. Their unique name comes from the special cooking technique, where the pasta is "assassinated" directly in the pan, toasted and infused with tomato sauce and chili.
Their fame has been amplified by contemporary literature. In Gabriella Genisio's novels, Spaghetti all'Assassina are a cultural cornerstone of Barese gastronomy, often enjoyed by the detective Lolita Lobosco during breaks between her investigations.
Authentic Recipe for Spaghetti all'Assassina
The secret to the famous Spaghetti all'Assassina lies in the *risottata* cooking method: the pasta is cooked directly in an iron pan with tomato broth, without draining, to achieve a crispy, caramelized texture.
Ingredients for 4 people:
- 350g spaghetti
- 300ml tomato purée
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves
- Chili pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable broth or hot water (about 500ml)
Preparation:
1. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in an iron pan with the garlic cloves and chili pepper.
2. Add the tomato paste and let it infuse.
3. Pour in the tomato purée and a ladle of broth to create the base.
4. Place the raw spaghetti directly in the pan. Let them toast without stirring.
5. Gradually add broth, as you would for risotto, stirring until the pasta becomes crispy and slightly charred.
Where to Eat Spaghetti all'Assassina in Bari
Want to taste this dish in its authentic form? Here are some of the best restaurants in Bari serving Spaghetti all'Assassina:
Al Sorso Preferito: Located at Via Giulio Petroni, 9, this restaurant is considered the birthplace of Spaghetti all'Assassina, where tradition has been passed down for generations.
Osteria delle Travi Found in the heart of Bari Vecchia, at Strada Palazzo di Città, 6, it offers a rustic and authentic take on this iconic dish.
La Locanda di Federico: Situated at Piazza Mercantile, 63, it serves refined Apulian cuisine while maintaining strong ties to local traditions.
A Cultural and Culinary Experience
Spaghetti all'Assassina are more than just a dish—they’re a journey into Apulian tradition. Prepare them at home with this recipe, or enjoy them in Bari's restaurants, paired with a good local red wine like wine Primitivo or Nero di Troia.
Try Spaghetti all'Assassina today and be swept away by an unforgettable experience!
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