Sicilian spaghetti cake
4 Servings
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | can | (14 1/4 oz) whole tomatoes; drained |
| 12 | Imported black olives; pitted | |
| 4 | larges | Fresh basil leaves |
| 2 | tablespoons | Capers; rinsed |
| 1 | tablespoon | Olive oil; PLUS |
| 2 | teaspoons | Olive oil |
| 2 | larges | Bell peppers (green; red or yellow), cut in 1/4\" strips |
| 1 | Onion; thinly sliced | |
| 1 | Clove garlic; minced | |
| ¼ | teaspoon | Crushed red pepper; optional |
| Salt and freshly groung black pepper; to taste | ||
| ½ | pounds | Thin spaghetti |
| ½ | cup | Romano cheese; fresh grated |
Directions
Preheat oven to 400øF. Put a pot of water on to boil for cooking pasta.
In a food processor, combine tomatoes, olives, basil and capers; pulse until coarsely chopped.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes.
Add garlic and crushed red pepper (if using) and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minutes more. Add tomato mixture and bring to a simmer.
Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse well. Add to sauce and mix well. Let cool to room temperature. Stir in Romano cheese.
Brush remaining 2 teaspoons oil over bottom and sides of a heavy 10-inch ovenproof skillet Heat skillet over medium heat. Remove from heat; add pasta mixture and press firmly into an even layer.
Bake pasta for about 30 mintues, or until golden brown. Run a knife around the inside edge of the pan and invert the spaghetti cake onto a large platter. Cut into wedges and serve.
NOTES : The pasta mixture will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up = to 2 days. Return to room temperature before proceeding. This is a great use for leftover spaghetti.
Recipe by: Eating Well (November 1997) Posted to recipelu-digest by Nesb2<Nesb2@...> on Mar 3, 1998