Spaghetti De Siciliano
A flavorful Sicilian-inspired spaghetti dish with eggplant, tomatoes, anchovies, and olives, offering rich umami flavors perfect for a hearty, Mediterranean meal enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, julienned ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 eggplant, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 can flat anchovy fillets, shredded
- 1/2 c. black olives, sliced ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley
- red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 pkg. spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the diced onion in olive oil over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add green pepper, eggplant, garlic, and sliced mushrooms; saute for 15 minutes.
- Add drained whole tomatoes and basil; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add shredded anchovy fillets, sliced black olives, capers, and chopped parsley; cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over hot cooked spaghetti tossed with melted butter, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables. If you have any fresh herbs like oregano or thyme, they can also enhance the sauce. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the anchovies and add more olives or capers for added depth. This dish pairs excellently with a side of garlic bread from Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spaghetti De Siciliano with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced meal. A glass of chilled white wine complements the dish beautifully. For an added touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This dish also pairs well with crusty bread or can be enjoyed alongside Pasta With Peppers And Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if necessary. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring regularly to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti De Siciliano contains roughly 351 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. However, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce. Fresh ingredients provide a better texture and flavor, but frozen can be a convenient alternative.
What type of spaghetti works best for this recipe?
While traditional spaghetti works well, you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if preferred. The sauce is hearty, so any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or fusilli, can also be used.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Additionally, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili peppers can elevate the spice level for those who enjoy a kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).