Today, I want to talk to you about a simple recipe that, in one dish, captures all the beauty of the Mediterranean. In my opinion, it is an excellent representation of how centuries of experience and tradition have shaped simplicity, turning it into elegance, art, and pure flavor. In a dish like this, which celebrates Mediterranean simplicity, the choice of ingredients is crucial. Extra virgin olive oil must be of high quality, as it binds and enhances all the other ingredients. A fragrant, fruity, and rich olive oil (like Organic Extra virgin olive oil BIO) transforms a simple dish into a flavor masterpiece.

Moreover, fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes, just-picked oregano, and briny capers are the stars of the dish. Each ingredient contributes its own note to the overall taste, creating a perfect balance between sweetness, saltiness, and aroma. Despite the simplicity of the preparation, careful selection of ingredients elevates this dish to an authentic and refined sensory experience.

Ingredients (for 4 people):

• 320 g spaghetti
• 250 g cherry tomatoes
• 4 high-quality anchovy fillets in oil
• 2 tablespoons capers (well rinsed)
• 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 bunch fresh oregano
• High-quality extra virgin olive oil (generous amount)
• Salt to taste
• Chili (optional)

Preparation:

1. Toast the Breadcrumbs: Start by heating a pan with a little extra virgin olive oil. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them over medium-low heat until golden. Set them aside to keep them crispy.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add a generous drizzle of olive oil and a crushed garlic clove. Let it simmer over low heat until the garlic turns golden, then remove it. This step is essential as the high-quality olive oil will infuse the dish with its distinctive character.

3. Melt the Anchovies: Add the anchovy fillets to the hot oil and gently stir until they melt completely, creating a savory sauce. The anchovies add depth and complexity to the dish.

4. Add Tomatoes and Capers: Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pan. Cook over medium heat until they soften slightly but retain their freshness. Add the rinsed capers for a salty kick.

5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted water. Drain it al dente, reserving some of the cooking water.

6. Finish the Dish: Toss the spaghetti directly into the pan with the sauce. Add some cooking water and another drizzle of olive oil to bring everything together.

7. Add Breadcrumbs and Oregano: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs for crunch and fresh oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean touch.

8. Serve: Plate the spaghetti and finish with a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavors. For a bit of spice, sprinkle some chili flakes.

The Importance of Quality Olive Oil and Fresh Ingredients:

In a simple dish like this, the quality of ingredients is crucial. A rich, fruity extra virgin olive oil acts as the foundation, enhancing the freshness of the tomatoes, oregano, and capers. Simple yet flavorful, the dish becomes an extraordinary Mediterranean culinary experience when prepared with care.

Buon appetito!