Dear Friends,
 
When we think of true Mediterranean home cooking, we think of dishes that are simple and rich in flavor. The secret lies not in complexity, but in the quality of the ingredients.
 
Experience the authentic taste of Calabria with Struncatura — a traditional pasta known for its distinctive dark color and delicate toasted flavor. Rooted in Calabrian culinary heritage, Struncatura has become a true symbol of authentic Italian cuisine.
 
Prepare it the traditional way, using Fondo Gionino extra virgin olive oil, anchovies, garlic, chili pepper, and a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs. The full recipe is below.
 
A pasta steeped in tradition. An authentic taste of Italy!

Ingredients:

400g (14 oz) Struncatura pasta

4 tablespoons Fondo Gionino Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

6-8 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and chopped

1/4 cup black olives, pitted and chopped

2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped

1-2 dried Calabrian chili peppers, crushed (or red pepper flakes, to taste)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs, toasted

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)Salt, to taste

Instruction:

Step 1
Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt. Add the struncatura pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.

Step 2
Prepare the Sauce:

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced garlic and sauté until it’s golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the chopped anchovies, olives, capers, and crushed chili peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the anchovies dissolve and the flavors meld together.

Step 3
Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked struncatura pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

If the pasta looks too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4
Add Breadcrumbs:

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta and toss to combine. The breadcrumbs add a nice crunch and absorb some of the flavorful sauce.

Step 5
Serve:

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve immediately, enjoying the robust flavors of this traditional Calabrian dish.

Tips:

Toasting Breadcrumbs:

To toast the breadcrumbs, simply heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the breadcrumbs, and stir frequently until golden brown. You can also toast them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Anchovy Substitute:

If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can reduce the amount or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.

This dish embodies the essence of Calabrian cuisine with its bold flavors and simple, high-quality ingredients.

Purchase Struncatura pasta and Fondo Gionino Selvatica extra virgin olive oil in our online store.

Buon appetito!

Struncatura and Fondo Gionino Selvatica Olive Oil Harvest October 2025 (250 ml/8.5 fl.oz.) Gift Set

Combines Fondo Gionino Selvatica organic extra virgin olive oil with Struncatura, a rare and traditional Calabrian pasta. 

$38.00 USD

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