Bucatini Pasta With Shrimp And Anchovies Recipes

BUCATINI WITH ROSE RED PEPPER SAUCE AND SHRIMP

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with a good pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in an even layer and cook until pink and opaque throughout, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
• Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir in the bell peppers, onion, garlic, 2 teaspoons of the oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine and cream, then scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a steady simmer, then continue to simmer until the alcohol has cooked off and the sauce has reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree until very smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Pour back into the skillet and keep warm on medium-low heat.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions; drain well. Add the pasta to the sauce along with the shrimp and 1 teaspoon of the oregano. Continue tossing until everything is well coated and warmed through.
• Transfer the pasta to a large shallow serving bowl and top with the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano.

BUCATINI WITH FENNEL AND ANCHOVIES

Steps:

• Place anchovies and their oil in a small bowl, add the lemon juice and mix together to break up anchovies. Set aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a 12- to 14-inch skillet, add bread crumbs and cook on medium, stirring, until they are toasted. Fold in parsley and tarragon, remove from skillet and set aside. Wipe out skillet and add remaining oil. Heat on medium-low, add fennel, onion and garlic and cook until they become soft and translucent and show a hint of color. Lightly season with salt and liberally with pepper. Stir in anchovy mixture and set aside. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
• Cook bucatini until not quite al dente. Remove 2 cups of the pasta water and continue cooking pasta until just done. Drain and add to the skillet with the fennel mixture along with about a cup of the pasta water. Scatter in the lemon zest. Heat on low. Use tongs to toss pasta thoroughly with the fennel mixture. There should be enough liquid to moisten the pasta without making it soupy, so add more pasta water if needed. Correct seasoning with salt and pepper. Don't be shy with the pepper. Divide the pasta among 4 to 6 warm plates, top each with some of the bread crumbs and serve with cheese on the side.

SUPER SCAMPI

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add anchovies, garlic and crushed pepper to the pan and cook until anchovies melt into oil, a couple of minutes. Add herbs and wine and reduce for 1 minute then melt butter into sauce. Add stock and water to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir in the shrimp and pasta and reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 7 to 8 minutes until pasta is al dente and shrimp are firm. Stir in zest and juice of 1 lemon and basil, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve directly from pan with hot, crusty bread.

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.