- 3/4 lb spaghetti
- 1/2 c olive oil
- 1 c fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 c freshly grated pecorino
- 1 3.75 oz can oil packed sardines, drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste dissolved in 1/4 c water
- pepper
- Fill a large pot with water, cover and bring to a boil. Add salt and the spaghetti. Cover partially until the water just returns to a boil, then uncover, stir the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and transfer to a warmed, large serving boil, cover and keep warm.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1/4 c olive oil. Add the bread crumbs and cook over moderately high heat stirring constantly, until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese.
- Wipe out the skillet. Add the remaining 1/4 c olive oil, the sardines and the garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the sardines begin to break up, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the dissolved tomato paste. Pour the sauce over the spaghetti and toss. Season with pepper adn stir in 3 tbsp of the bread crumbs. Sprinkle half of the the remaining bread crumbs on top and serve. Pass the remaining bread crumbs at the table.