Puttanesca del Palacio

"From the wide variety of pasta dishes available, this is the one that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will most likely choose", says Chef Babes Austria who came up with this original recipe.


Serves 6 Prep Time 5 minutes Cooking Time 40 minutes

3 big white onions, chopped
1 cup green olives, sliced
1 cup black olives, sliced
15 cloves garlic, minced
2 (50-gram) cans anchovies, oil included
4 tablespoons pure anchovy sauce (bagoong Balayan)
1 (150-gram) pack tomato paste
1 chicken bouillon (diluted in 2 cups water and reduced to 1 cup)
3 1/2 tablespoons capers
4 tablespoons brandy
2 (1-kilo) packs tomato sauce
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
4 pieces sweet basil
salt and pepper to taste
50 grams angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions

1  In a saucepan, sauté onions until translucent. Add the olives, garlic, anchovies, and bagoong Balayan.

2  Add the tomato paste on the side of the pan and let it caramelize.

3  Add the chicken broth and capers. Pour in the brandy then flambé.

4  Add tomato sauce and simmer for 30 minutes.

5  Take off the fire, add the fresh herbs, and season to taste.

6  Toss sauce with cooked angel hair pasta. Serve hot.

Photography by Louie Aguinaldo │ Food Preparation and Styling by Angelo Comsti