 Strascinati pasta with peperoni cruschi and bread crumbs | |
| Course | Main |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Basilicata |
| Main ingredients | Pasta, peperone crusco, bread crumbs |
Pasta con i peperoni cruschi is an Italian pasta dish flavored with peppers and typical of the Basilicata region.
The main ingredient is peperone crusco, a dried and crunchy pepper known for its sweet flavour and intense colour, which is a popular element in the local cuisine.[1] Usually the Senise pepper variety is used, for its thin pulp and low water content which allows a rapid drying.[2]
It is served with homemade pasta like cavatelli, strascinati, or ferretti (also known as frizzuli).[3]
The peppers are cleaned with a dry cloth, deprived of the stalk and the seeds to be subsequently flash-fried in hot olive oil, flavoured with a garlic clove which is removed before the cooking. The frying takes just a few seconds, and they must be immediately extracted to avoid burns that compromise the flavour, giving an unpleasant taste.[4]
The bread crumbs are browned in the same oil. When the pasta is cooked, the ingredients are mixed, and finally seasoned with some peppers. Optionally, cheeses like pecorino or cacioricotta, and parsley can be added.[citation needed]
