Spaghetti with Sweet Peppers: Spaghetti Con Sugo Di Peperoni

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ease of preparation: easy

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
5 red and 5 yellow bell peppers, seeded, cored and cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 tablespoon red chili flakes
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 can tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
1 pound dry spaghetti

In a 12 to 14-inch frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat until smoking. Add the onions, peppers, chili flakes and oregano and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until softened. Add the tomato paste and cook 15 to 18 minutes, until paste turns a darker color. Add the red wine, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, augmenting the pan with water, 1/4 cup at a time to keep the liquidity near that of a ragu.

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. Drop the spaghetti into the water and cook according to the package instructions until 1 minute short of al dente. Drain the spaghetti and toss into the pepper mixture and place pan over high heat. Cook the spaghetti in the peppers until dressed like a good pasta dish, about 45 seconds. Pour into a warmed bowl and serve immediately.