PASTA PUTTANESCA

 

1-pound dried fettuccine, linguine or bucatini

6 garlic cloves, forced through a garlic press

2 teaspoons anchovy paste

1/2 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice (preferably Italian)

1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives

2 tablespoons drained capers

Pinch of sugar (optional)

3/4 cup torn basil

1. Cook spaghetti in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (2 1/2 Tbsp salt for 6 qt water) until barely al dente.

2. While pasta boils, cook garlic, anchovy paste, red-pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and pale golden, about 2 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, purée tomatoes with juice in a blender.

4. Add tomato purée to garlic oil along with olives and capers and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is ready. Stir in sugar if desired.

5. Drain pasta and add to sauce. Simmer, turning pasta with tongs, until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with basil.