Alexs Anchovy Bucatini Recipes

ALEX'S ANCHOVY BUCATINI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Put about 3 cups stale Italian bread on a baking sheet and put in hot oven. Bake for 10 minutes, cool and add to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a bottom blade. Pulse into crumbs.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Salt the water and add the pasta. Cook until al dente. Remove 1 cup of the cooking water and reserve. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In a large saute pan, add 4 tablespoons of the olive oil and the bread crumbs and cook over medium-high heat until golden and well coated. Remove from the pan to a plate.
• Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of the oil to the pan and when hot, add the anchovies and the minced red bell peppers and cook, rapidly, stirring them around with a wooden spoon, for about 2 minutes. Add the onions and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and chili flakes, cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of the bread crumbs and half of the cheese. Stir in the pasta, toss to combine, adding the cooking liquid as needed.
• Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with remaining cheese, bread crumbs and parsley. Serve immediately.

BUCATINI WITH FRESH TUNA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the tuna with salt, add to the skillet and cook, turning, until browned on all sides, about 2 minutes. Remove to a plate.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the red onion, fennel and celery, season lightly with salt and cook, tossing, until the vegetables begin to soften and brown around the edges, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the capers, oregano and red pepper flakes; cook until sizzling, about 1 minute. Pour in the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and 1/2 cup of the boiling water. Cook, smashing the tomatoes with the back of a spoon, until they begin to break down and the sauce is thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Return the tuna to the skillet. Add the pasta and toss to coat, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. Divide among bowls and top with the celery leaves and fennel fronds.