Busiate alla Trapanese (Corkscrew Pasta with Trapanese Pesto)

By garciamoss

Ingredients

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup packed basil
• 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan, plus more for serving
• 6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. golden raisins
• 2 tbsp. capers, drained
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
• 3 anchovy filets in oil, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pepperoncini, stemmed, seeded, and roughly chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups flour
• 3 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk

Details

Adapted from saveur.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Make the pesto: Place tomatoes in a food processor and process until finely chopped; pour tomatoes into a fine strainer and drain off excess juices. Process tomatoes along with almonds, basil, parmesan, 5 tbsp. oil, raisins, capers, chile flakes, anchovies, garlic, and pepperoncini in a food processor until finely ground. Season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate until needed.

2. Make the pasta: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and 1 tsp. salt; form a well in the center. Pour remaining oil, eggs and yolk, and 2 tbsp. water in well, and using a fork, slowly stir until flour is incorporated and dough forms. Transfer to a floured work surface and knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let rest for 1 hour.

3. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces; working with 1 piece at a time, roll into a ⅛″-thick rope and cut rope into 2″ lengths. Place one end of each length on the end of a wooden skewer or pencil and roll on work surface until length wraps around skewer and forms a corkscrew.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat; working in batches, add pasta and cook, stirring, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup cooking water, and transfer pasta to a large bowl along with pesto; toss to combine, adding a couple spoonfuls of cooking water, if needed, to create a smooth sauce. Transfer to a large serving platter or bowls and serve with more parmesan cheese.