With a name like that, it has to be good! I was so curious about the name, I did some research to figure out where it came from. In Sicily, picchi pacchiu is what cooks make for a quick tomato sauce when minimal cooking is necessary.
So on to the important stuff...the recipe for "Tag Pic Pac"! :)
INGREDIENTS:
Picchi Pacchiu Sauce
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (Colivita recommended)
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 can (28 ounce) whole roma tomatoes in juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pasta
1 pound fresh tagliarini or fettuccini
DIRECTIONS:
- To make the sauce, heat the oil and garlic together in a small skillet over medium-low heat just enough so the garlic is soften and fragrant and the oil is very warm (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let stand to infuse the oil, about 30 minutes.
- Pour the tomatoes and their juices into a bowl. Squeeze the tomatoes through your fingers until they are coarsely crushed. Stir in the garlic in its oil and the chopped basil. Season with Kosher salt and pepper. Let stand for 1 - 2 hours for the flavors to marry.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add salt to taste. Add the tagliarini and stir well to separate the strands. Cook according to the manufacturer's directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Return the tagliarini to it's cooking pot. Add the sauce and mix well. Cover and let stand for 1 minute. Divide among 4 serving bowls and serve hot.
