At a time where NOTHING went to waste, not even stale bread. Nonna (grandmother) had to make sure dinner was delicious and there was enough food for family & friends.
The idea of breaking the stale bread into breadcrumbs and adding it to a pasta dish was simply brilliant. This frugal ingredient adds a salty crunchy texture that will totally change your pasta!
Here's the basic recipe.
Serves 2 - 4 depending on the amount of pasta you put. You'll need:
- 1 x pkt of Col'tempo Pancetta
- 1/2 clove of garlic
- Italian Mixed herbs
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Teaspoons of butter
- 3 Tablespoons of Breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons of Parmesan or grated Grana\
- Spaghetti (half a 400g pkt for 2 ppl)
- Dice the pancetta up into small pieces TIP - I like to use scissors to cut the pancetta, quick and easy.
- At the same time - start a pot of boiling water for the pasta. only add the pasta to the water when it is boiling and only cook for the time indicated on the packet.
- Chop up your garlic and add it to your pan with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of italian mixed herbs.
- Cook until almost golden and then add your pancetta and cook till semi crispy (not too much)
- Add your butter and set aside.
- After your pasta has reached the time indicated on the packet, drain and place back in the pot.
- Add your pancetta and butter from the pan and make sure you get all that tasty oil and butter.
- Mix in a little bread crumbs and parmesan.
- Add more breadcrumbs and parmesan just before you serve the pasta to make sure they are still crunchy.
We hope you enjoy it!