Strascinati con mollica e peperoni cruschi

Strascinati con mollica e peperoni cruschi is a simple pasta dish from the Italian region of Basilicata, prepared with two popular local products: strascinati pasta and crispy flakes of crumbled, locally-grown heirloom red peppers, known as peperoni cruschi. Strascinati is a pasta variety typical for southern Italy that is made by pressing small chunks of dough over wooden boards until the pieces attain their distinctive olive leaf shape. The pasta is then paired with simple ingredients such as olive oil, anchovies, garlic, breadcrumbs, peperoncini, salt, and sweet peperoni cruschi. This rustic dish is a true representative of cucina povera—a culinary concept that is based on the usage of cheap, locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful and filling dishes. It is recommended to serve strascinati with a glass of fruity local white wine on the side and to (optionally) top the dish with grated caciocavallo cheese.