Mama Dawson’s Pasta Puttanesca

Thanks to my dear friend (Mama) Ted Dawson for this wonderfully simple and delicious Pasta Puttanesca recipe.

Ted and his partner Bart Boehler are a delightful couple I met at church and were so welcoming when I first moved here.  This was one of the first meals I made in my little broom closet of a Hell’s Kitchen apartment and it brings back fond memories.  Cheers Ted and Bart!

Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium white onion (chopped finely)
• 1 can anchovies rolled with capers
• 2 cans tuna in olive oil (preferably Italian)
• 2 cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 can small black pitted olives (drained)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Black Pepper (to taste)
• Oregano (to taste)
• Basil (to taste)

What will you have to clean afterward:

• cutting board
• chopping knife
• stock pot (or large soup pot)
• wooden spoon

Step One: Sautee the onion and garlic in olive oil for 1 minute

Step Two: Add anchovies (w/capers); break apart with spoon and continue to sautee with onion and garlic for another minute.

Step three: Add one can of tuna (and oil); break apart with spoon and continue to sautee until onions become translucent.

Step four: Add both cans of crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.  Add spices if desired.

Step five: Add remaining can of tuna (and oil) and olives (drained).  Continue to stir and bring to simmer.

Step six: Simmer for 20-30 minutes and serve with pasta.  Cheese optional, wine essential.

-Eat Hearty!