Love from Calabria — Spaghettoni with Garlic, Olive Oil, Chili, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Crispy Breadcrumbs
Description
Spaghettoni with garlic, olive oil, chili, sun-dried tomatoes, and crispy breadcrumbs is a dish that celebrates the bold and generous soul of Calabrian cuisine. It represents the beauty of cucina povera—simple ingredients transformed into something deeply flavorful and satisfying.
This variation of the classic garlic, oil, and chili pasta gains extra depth from the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, which bring a savory and slightly tangy note. The crispy breadcrumbs—often called the “poor man’s parmesan” in Southern Italian cooking—add a delicious toasted crunch that completes every bite. The result is a rustic, aromatic, and comforting pasta dish that tells a story of tradition, family, and love for authentic food.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
400 g spaghettoni (preferably bronze-cut to hold the sauce better)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 fresh chili pepper or 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes (to taste)
6–8 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and cut into thin strips
80 g stale bread crumbs or rustic breadcrumbs
A small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt, to taste
Extra-virgin olive oil, a little extra for toasting the breadcrumbs
Preparation Method
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