Bucatini alla Caruso
It is claimed – albeit not verified – that Bucatini alla Caruso was the opera singer’s own creation. It seems that every time Caruso returned to Naples and stayed in two particular hotels, he indulged in this delicacy.
• 300g bucatini pasta
• Fresh or tinned San Marzano tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red or yellow capsicum, roughly diced
• 1 zucchini
• 2 garlic cloves, quartered
• 1 dry red chilli
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Oregano
• Basil
• Parsley
• Flour
1. In a pan, sauté the garlic cloves in oil. When they start to brown, discard them and add the capsicum and tomatoes to the pan.
2. Turn up the heat and sprinkle in some oregano, the crushed chilli and a generous amount of basil.
3. In the meantime, slice the zucchini into rounds. Coat the slices in flour and fry them separately.
4. Cook the pasta al dente a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain, and combine with the sauce, fried zucchini and a handful of chopped parsley.