Mario Batali's Penne alla Puttanesca

Serves 6


2 tablespoons salt-packed capers

1 1/2 cups Pomi strained tomatoes

8 to 10 salt-packed anchovy fillets

Coarse salt

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 medium red onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons crushed red-pepper flakes

1 pound penne pasta

1/3 cup Gaeta olives, pitted and coarsely chopped

1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving

Directions

Rinse capers and soak overnight, changing water frequently.

Place Pomi tomatoes in a medium saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat until reduced by half; set aside.

Place anchovies in a small bowl and set it in the sink under a stream of cold running water for 20 minutes. Drain anchovies, pat dry, and coarsely chop.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons salt; return to a boil.

Meanwhile, heat oil, onion, garlic, and anchovies in another large pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until onion is lightly browned and anchovies have broken down, about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add pasta to boiling water and cook, according to package directions, until just al dente. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup pasta water.

Add pasta and reserved pasta water to tomato mixture; stir and toss over medium heat until pasta is well coated. Stir in capers, olives, and parsley; serve immediately with grated cheese on the side.