Italian cuisine is deeply sentimental, with proverbs and traditions passed down through generations. These traditions, much like our father, are bold, loving, important, guiding, knowledgeable, consuming, and meaningful.
Our family is fortunate to have vivid memories of many traditions. Recently, I was able to connect some dots to possibly explain the origin of a particularly special one.
Spaghetti Aglio Olio is a pasta dish that holds a dear place in our family's heart. It's a simple yet delicious dish: al dente spaghetti quickly tossed with freshly chopped garlic toasted golden in olive oil, a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, and sometimes a bit of anchovy. It's then finished with fresh chopped parsley, Pecorino Romano, and toasted breadcrumbs.
Our father frequently made this dish, and I smile recalling the many occasions we enjoyed it. I especially remember him cooking it late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. When close friends and family gathered at our parent's house, evenings often began with an early dinner, typically between 3:00 and 5:00 pm. Dad loved to cook, and these meals were bountiful. He'd prepare numerous antipasto dishes, followed by pasta, a meat entree, and a refreshing salad. After such a feast, we were undoubtedly stuffed! Dinner was usually followed by "after-dinner drinks," fantastic conversation, and lots of laughter. Often, we'd lose track of time, and before we knew it, midnight would arrive, and everyone would start feeling a little hungry again. We all knew that once Dad called out, "Carmella...put a pot on!" it meant Spaghetti Aglio Olio was coming soon. It sounds crazy, and it was, but low and behold, when the pasta was served, everyone at the table somehow found a little spot in their stomachs for some spaghetti.
My parents have a small mason jar of dried spices in their pantry, a gift to my father from a friend. This blend consists mainly of dried red chili pepper flakes with some dried basil, dried parsley, and slices of dried raw garlic. I always loved sprinkling it on pasta with tomato sauce, but I never thought to ask who gave it to him or its story. After Dad passed away, I inquired if anyone knew. Then, I recently discovered an old Sicilian dish called Spaghettata di Mezzanote (Midnight Spaghetti). After some research, I learned that "Spaghettata" is an Italian term meaning "Gustosa mangiata di spaghetti in allegra compagnia," or "A tasty meal of spaghetti in cheerful company." Interestingly, Spaghettata is made using a similar blend of spices: dried red chili pepper flakes with some dried basil, dried parsley, and slices of dried raw garlic!
Could it be that this mason jar of spices, given to my father years ago, was somehow connected to this Sicilian tradition? It makes me feel good to remember and believe that it is. This tradition means so much to our family and to many of my parents' good friends. I hope that as you read this blog, it sparks some happiness and brings you back to those times when you enjoyed a tasty meal of spaghetti in cheerful company. ❤️
-Joanne Talluto Brown. 