Easy Caramelized Shallot Pasta
This robust shallot pasta uses caramelized shallots cooked down to a jam, acidic tomato puree, and salty anchovies for the boldest of flavors.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: mains
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 498kcal
Cost: £0.96
- 600 g shallots, thinly sliced (£1.50)
- 5 garlic cloves, 4 thinly sliced, 1 finely chopped (£0.29)
- 4 whole anchovies (£0.50)
- 200 g (1 tube) tomato puree (£0.34)
- 350 g spaghetti (£0.70)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, leaves and stems finely chopped (£0.50)
Cupboard Essentials
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- Salt & Pepper
Start by adding the olive oil and thinly sliced shallots to a large stainless steel frying pan on a medium/low heat. Season generously with salt and pepper and sweat for around 10 minutes.
Next add the garlic, anchovies, red pepper flakes, chili flakes, parsley stems, and tomato puree into the pan. Continue to fry over medium/low heat for another 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
During this time, add the spaghetti to heavily salted pasta water. Set your timer to 2 minutes minus the packet time.
Once the puree has darkened and the onions are looking really caramelized, transfer the undercooked pasta into the pan along with 2 ladles of pasta water. Stir to combine.
Serve the caramelized shallot pasta with finely chopped garlic and fresh parsley.
- Take your time to slowly caramelise the shallots, allowing them to release their natural sugars and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes towards the end of caramelising onions for added depth of flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Before draining the pasta, always remove a few ladles of pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
- Consider adding fresh parsley or your favorite herb and garnishes to enhance the overall dish.
Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g