FOOD
EASY ITALIAN
MasterChef: The Professionals 2022 contestant Gabriella Margiotta draws inspiration from the food of her childhood to serve up innovative yet simple Italian meals for the whole family
FOOD [ CULTURE [ REVIEWS [ TRAVEL
PASTA MOLLICATA
Serves 2 Takes 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 80ml/3¼fl oz olive oil
• 2 anchovy fillets
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• ½ tsp dried chilli flakes
• 50g/2oz breadcrumbs (stale loaf bread torn up will work)
• 160g/5½oz bucatini pasta
• 1 white onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Mutti double concentrated tomato paste
• Black pepper
1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
2. Meanwhile, add 2 tbsp of olive oil to a frying pan on a low heat. Add the anchovies, garlic and chilli flakes and fry for a minute or so until the anchovies melt into the oil.
3. Add the breadcrumbs and toast in the oil for 5-10 minutes, stirring continuously, to get an even golden-brown colour. Remove the breadcrumbs and set aside.
4. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook to al dente.
5. In the same pan you used to toast the breadcrumbs, add the remaining olive oil, onion and tomato paste. Allow to cook for a few minutes on a medium heat until there is a rich red oil. Add a ladle of the pasta water and turn the heat to low.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and add to the sauce along with half the breadcrumbs. Toss the pasta well, adding more pasta water when needed to achieve a glossy sauce.