5.0 from 66 votes
Cavatelli Pasta with Senise Peppers (peperoni cruschi)
This unique Basilicata pasta recipe uses Senise peppers, known locally as 'peperoni cruschi'. They add a marvelous sweet, slightly nutty, and smoky flavor to this recipe and are believed by some to be the most delicious peppers in the world.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 454 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- 14.1 oz Cavatelli Pasta
- 6 Dried Senise peppers peperoni cruschi
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 anchovy fillet
- 2 ¾ oz breadcrumbs
- salt for pasta and to taste
- peperoncino flakes optional
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once it starts to boil, add salt and bring it to a boil again.
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large frying pan until hot. Quickly fry the peppers on both sides until they're slightly browned, being careful not to burn them. Remove and place on absorbent paper to dry.
- In the same oil, fry the garlic, chili flakes (if using) and anchovy fillets. Break down the anchovy with a fork or wooden spoon to dissolve it into the oil.
- Add breadcrumbs to the pan, stirring well until they are golden and aromatic. Turn off the heat.
- Meanwhile, cook the cavatelli pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and mix the pasta into the pan with the breadcrumbs.
- Crumble most of the prepared Senise peppers over the pasta, mixing thoroughly. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding a bit more olive oil if the mixture seems dry.
- Serve garnished with the remaining Senise peppers.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If you don't find cavatelli pasta this dish works really well with orecchiette or malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi), or make this recipe with homemade cavatelli.
Nutrition Information
Calories
454kcal
(23%)
Carbohydrates
90g
(30%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
3g
(5%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
1mg
(0%)
Sodium
154mg
(6%)
Potassium
272mg
(8%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
1IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
0.5mg
(1%)
Calcium
62mg
(6%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 454
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 454kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 90g | 30% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 154mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 272mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 62mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.