Spaghetti alla nursina – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Italy Region / Locale: Italian Servings: 4 servings
Italy Region / Locale: Italian Servings: 4 servingsSpaghetti alla Nursina is a delightful pasta dish hailing from Norcia, a picturesque town in the Umbria region of Italy known for its rich culinary traditions. This dish celebrates the rustic flavors of the region, combining hearty pasta with a savory sauce made from local ingredients like sausage, fresh pecorino cheese, and earthy black truffles. This recipe encapsulates the essence of Umbrian cooking, which is deeply rooted in simplicity, high-quality local produce, and a touch of elegance that has earned it reverence beyond its borders.
Ingredients
- spaghetti – 400 g / 14 oz
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – 200 g / 7 oz
- pecorino cheese, grated – 100 g / 3.5 oz
- black truffle, finely grated – 1 small / 15 g
- garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- olive oil – 2 tbsp
- white wine – 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz
- fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
- salt – to taste
- black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, as per package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Remove the sausage from its casing, crumble, and add it to the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits, and allow the wine to reduce by half.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, along with the reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the grated pecorino cheese and black truffle, stirring until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Substitutions
- spaghetti -> linguine
- pecorino cheese -> Parmesan cheese
- black truffle -> truffle oil
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Use homemade pasta for a more authentic texture.
- Infuse the olive oil with truffle for an enhanced aroma.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
