Spaghetti alla puttanesca, meaning “spaghetti in the style of the prostitute,” is a popular pasta dish that originated in Italy. The dish’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in the coastal regions of Campania and Lazio.
One story of its origin is that it was created by the wives of fishermen in the coastal town of Ischia, who would prepare the dish quickly using ingredients they had on hand while their husbands were out at sea. Another story is that it was a dish popular among the prostitutes of the red-light district in Naples, as it was cheap and easy to make.
The traditional recipe for spaghetti alla puttanesca includes tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and chili flakes. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as white wine, red pepper flakes, or parsley.
When it comes to wine pairings, a white wine that is dry and crisp, such as a Falanghina or a Vermentino, would complement the dish’s flavors. A red wine such as an Aglianico or a Primitivo would also pair well with the dish and bring out the flavors of the tomatoes and olives.
Falanghina, a white wine variety that grows in the Campania region, has aromas and flavors of floral, honey, and lemon. On the other hand, Aglianico, a red wine variety that grows in the same region, has flavors of dark fruit, leather, and tobacco.
When preparing spaghetti alla puttanesca, it is essential to use high-quality ingredients to bring out the dish’s flavors truly. Fresh tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies are vital for an authentic puttanesca.
In conclusion, Spaghetti alla puttanesca is a delicious pasta dish with a mysterious origin story. The traditional recipe includes tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and chili flakes, and the variations include white wine, red pepper flakes, or parsley. The dish pairs well with a dry, crisp white wine such as Falanghina or Vermentino or a red wine such as Aglianico or Primitivo. Remember to use high-quality ingredients to bring out the dish’s flavors truly.