Pasta Mollicata is one of the very simple and easy Italian dishes that is particularly popular in Southern Italy. As
the name “”Mollicata,”” which means breadcrumbs, suggests, the main ingredients of this dish are a combination of
pantry staples.Due to its humble ingredients, Mollicata is considered a “”poor man’s dish,”” but it has gained popularity because of
its charming flavor. In other words, it is a representative of affordable yet delicious cuisine. Stale breadcrumbs
are toasted until fragrant in olive oil, and then given new life by adding flavoring ingredients such as anchovies,
chili peppers, garlic, and herbs.The beauty of Mollicata lies in its versatility to be adapted according to the season and available ingredients. By
adding leftovers like mushrooms, leeks, tomatoes, onions, or nuts, you can easily create a satisfying dish. Since it
can be made in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weekday meals.
Minced parsley (or fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme)
2 tablespoons
Pecorino Romano cheese (grated)
2 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Instructions
**Cook the pasta**: Fill a pot halfway with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and salt
once boiling. Cook the pasta according to the instructions, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander
and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
**Sauté the garlic and anchovies**: While the pasta is cooking, heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add the
olive oil. Once heated, add the garlic, anchovies, anchovy oil, and red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for about
3 minutes until the anchovies dissolve and the garlic is fragrant.
**Toast the breadcrumbs**: Add the breadcrumbs to the sauté pan and toast in the olive oil for about 3 minutes
until crispy and golden brown.
**Combine the Mollicata**: Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the sauté pan. Mix the
ingredients together and add the parsley and Pecorino.
**Plate the dish**: Serve the Pasta Mollicata immediately while hot, seasoning with black pepper to taste.
