Spaghetti Pangritata with Fried Eggs

Sometimes called “poor man’s parmesan”, pangritata is a great way to use up stale bread to improve your pasta dishes. Here, in a delicious combo with lemon, parsley, garlic and fried eggs.

Life can get a bit hectic sometimes, so don’t forget to take a step back, and eat spaghetti with pangritata, oil, garlic, lemon and a fried egg. That’s what I love about this meal – it’s simplicity.

You may be asking yourself – what is this pangritata business? Pangritata, also known as ‘the poor man’s parmesan’ involves adding crispy fried breadcrumbs, flavored with rosemary and garlic, to pasta.

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The al dente pasta, parsley, garlicky fried egg, parmesan cheese and pangritata all come together in unison and make this dish a humble, fantastic dinner. It is also so easy (and cheap) that it would make a great meal to serve at for a dinner party with some sides.

How to Make Spaghetti Pangritata with Fried Eggs

For the Pangritata:

1. Heat Oil: In a large fry pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Toast Breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the pan and sauté until golden and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped rosemary, then remove from heat quickly to prevent burning.
4. Finish with Lemon: Once cooled, mix in the lemon juice and set aside.

For the Pasta:

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions.
2. Prepare Eggs and Garlic: Wipe out the skillet used for pangritata, add 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter, and melt over medium heat. Add garlic, then carefully break the eggs into the skillet. Adjust the heat to avoid burning the garlic while allowing the egg whites to set but keeping the yolks runny.
3. Combine: Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot, then add the garlic, eggs, and fat from the skillet, parsley, and capers. Toss well, breaking up the eggs. Use the reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients smoothly.
4. Serve: Plate the pasta, season with black pepper and salt, sprinkle over with grated cheese, and top with the prepared pangritata.

Recipe Notes

• Pangritata: Ideal for adding crunch and flavor; ensure not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
• Egg Cooking: Cook eggs on a gentle heat to avoid overcooking the yolks.
• Pasta Water: Use a few spoonfuls of the starchy pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that binds the spaghetti and sauce ingredients together.

Spaghetti Pangritata with Fried Eggs

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• Author: Rebecca Thexton
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

Sometimes called “poor man’s parmesan”, pangritata is a great way to use up stale bread to improve your pasta dishes. Here, in a delicious combo with lemon, parsley, garlic and fried eggs.

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Ingredients

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For the Pangritata:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh or stale coarse breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti for 2
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
• 1 teaspoon small capers (optional, drained)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice to drizzle (optional)

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Instructions

For the Pangritata:

1. Heat Oil: In a large fry pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Toast Breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the pan and sauté until golden and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped rosemary, then remove from heat quickly to prevent burning.
4. Finish with Lemon: Once cooled, mix in the lemon juice and set aside.

For the Pasta:

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions.
2. Prepare Eggs and Garlic: Wipe out the skillet used for pangritata, add 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter, and melt over medium heat. Add garlic, then carefully break the eggs into the skillet. Adjust the heat to avoid burning the garlic while allowing the egg whites to set but keeping the yolks runny.
3. Combine: Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot, then add the garlic, eggs, and fat from the skillet, parsley, and capers. Toss well, breaking up the eggs. Use the reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients smoothly.
4. Serve: Plate the pasta, season with black pepper and salt, sprinkle over with grated cheese, and top with the prepared pangritata.

Notes

• Pangritata: Ideal for adding crunch and flavor; ensure not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
• Egg Cooking: Cook eggs on a gentle heat to avoid overcooking the yolks.
• Pasta Water: Use a couple of spoonfuls of the starchy pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that binds the spaghetti and sauce ingredients together.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Primi
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian