Hellish Strozzapreti

The “Hellish Strozzapreti” is a richly flavored dish that takes its name from the intense spiciness that characterizes the sauce. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

• Strozzapreti: 400 g
• Sausage: 200 g
• Fresh red chili pepper: 2-3 (or to taste to adjust spiciness)
• Cherry tomatoes: 250 g
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil: as needed
• Salt: as needed

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
2. In the meantime, in a large pan, add a drizzle of oil and the peeled garlic cloves and let them brown.
3. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until it becomes crispy.
4. Remove the garlic and add the finely chopped red chilies (remember to wash your hands well after handling them and not to touch your eyes).
5. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the pan.
6. Cook over medium-high heat until the tomatoes have slightly softened.
7. In the meantime, cook the strozzapreti in boiling water according to the indicated time for an al dente texture.
8. Drain the pasta and transfer it to the pan with the prepared sauce.
9. Toss it with the sauce for a couple of minutes, so that all the flavors meld together.
10. If necessary, add a little pasta cooking water to make the sauce creamier.

Fun Fact

The name “Strozzapreti” is said to derive from a historical anecdote where priests, particularly fond of these homemade pastas, would sometimes gorge themselves to the point of choking. The adjective “hellish” evidently refers to the spiciness, which is quite unusual for a typically Italian pasta but can still offer a very intense and enjoyable flavor experience for those who love strong tastes.

Remember that tolerance to spiciness varies greatly from person to person, so taste the chili before using it and adjust the quantity according to your preferences. Enjoy your meal!