Il Cucinologo
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Pici with Breadcrumbs

17/11/2023

Pici with breadcrumbs are a simple but delicious dish from Tuscan tradition. Here’s how you can prepare it.

Ingredients

  • 400 g of pici (or, alternatively, thick spaghetti)
  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Breadcrumbs to taste (about 150 g)
  • Chili powder or fresh (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Grated pecorino to taste (optional)

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot with plenty of salted water to a boil to cook the pici following the times indicated on the package. Drain them al dente, reserving a bit of cooking water.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the peeled garlic cloves, letting them brown over medium-low heat. If you like, you can also add some chili for a touch of spiciness.

  3. Remove the garlic and pour the breadcrumbs into the pan, toasting them until they become crispy and golden. If necessary, add a bit of the pici cooking water to prevent burning and to create a sort of cream.

  4. Add the drained pici to the pan with the breadcrumbs, mixing well to flavor them and combine with the “crumb”.

  5. Serve the pici immediately while hot, sprinkling with grated pecorino if desired.

Trivia

The peculiarity of this dish lies in the humility of the ingredients, but the result is a perfect encounter of textures and flavors; it is a preparation that tastes of home and tradition, a poor dish that has managed to win the hearts of many Tuscans and not only.

Enjoy!