Spicy Sicilian Spaghetti

Favorite Sicilian ingredients flavor this pasta dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 red chili pepper, preferably a Fresno pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley (a couple of handfuls)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 cup chicken stock or clam juice, divided
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 6 anchovy fillets
• 1 can whole, peeled Italian-style tomatoes (28 ounces)

Preparation

Bring a pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, using a food processor, puree the onion, chili pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, bay leaves and lemon zest with a splash of stock or clam juice.

In a large saucepan, heat the EVOO, four turns of the pan, and the anchovies over medium-high heat until the anchovies melt. Add the onion-chili paste and stir for 3-4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and remaining stock or clam juice, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 20 minutes. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce.