Bucatini with Peconic Escargot, Pancetta, and Anchovies

Fresh escargot + fresh pasta sauce = everything we've been dreaming of. This rich pasta dish is perfect for a chilly night or just when you need something homey and satisfying. The chili adds a warming spiciness and the combination of salty guanciale and fragrant anchovy meld beautifully with the earthy snails.

4 Servings

Ingredients

⅓ cup fresh breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Sauce

2 ounces thinly sliced guanciale or pancetta

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup finely chopped onion

4 garlic cloves, minced

8 oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained and smashed into a paste

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/4 lb Fresh Escargot - Shelled

1 pound bucatini

1 teaspoon lemon zest

¼ cup torn basil leaves

¼ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Toss the breadcrumbs with the olive oil and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the guanciale and sauté until crisp, about 3 minutes. Add the olive oil and onions and cook until the onions have softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, anchovy paste and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute. Add the crushed tomatoes and reduce heat to low, and cook until sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes. Add snails and heat through, about 3 minutes.

3. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook the pasta following the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

4. Transfer the pasta to the skillet containing the tomato-snail mixture and gently toss with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Add lemon zest and basil.

5. Divide pasta between four bowls and top with freshly grated Pecorino and the toasted breadcrumbs, dividing evenly.

Source: Tasting Table