Spaghetti All'Ubriaco (Drunken Spaghetti!)

Kelly and Rob discovered this amazing dish on their honeymoon while visiting Osteria Dé Benci in Florence, Italy. Simply put, the pasta is boiled in a 50:50 wine:water mix, which lends a rich color to the pasta as well as absorbing the unique flavors inherent in the wine. You could go many routes once the pasta is finished (add a sauce, perhaps some ground sausage, etc.), but its really not necessary...just finish it with a little S&P, olive oil, garlic, parsely and parmesan cheese.

Dec 15, 2014
delicioso!

NOTE: Choosing the wine is important. Pick an inexpensive wine that you would be comfortable drinking yourself.....think "Trader Joes"!   A darker red (Cabernet / Chianti) will impart a deep redish-purple tint to the pasta; a lighter red will impart less color and richness and a white will impart flavor only. (The classic version of Spaghetti All'Ubriaco will always call for a full-bodied red!).   The following is Kelly's version:

SERVING FOR TWO

  • 1 qt water
  • 1 qt red wine, plus 1/4 cup to finish
  • 1/2 lb spaghetti
  • 1 large clove of garlic,
  • 1 tbs butter
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
  • chopped Italian parsley
  • S&P to taste
  • shredded parmesan or asiago cheese

METHOD:

Heat water/wine to boiling point. (remember that the wine/water ration is 1:1, so if your preparing the meal for a larger group, adjust the amount accordingly.
Peal and chop the garlic glove. Place butter and oil in a LARGE pan ( big enough to hold the cooked spaghetti) over low heat and slowly let the butter melt.
Once the water/wine has come to a boil, add the pasta. IMPORTANT: Stir it often to prevent from sticking.
Now add the garlic to the pan and the optional pepper flakes and stir without increasing the heat.
Once it appears that the spaghetti is done, add the additional quarter cup of wine and a smaller amount of the cooking liquid to the pan, drain and add the spaghetti.....increase the heat until the liquid begins to simmer, add the parsely. Toss the spaghetti gently until the liquid is absorbed. Add S&P to taste.
Serve immediately. Add grated parmesan cheese over the top of each plate..

FINAL NOTE:
This is really good!
 
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