Sonic the Hedgehog Lives in my House

Sonny is obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog. He likes to pretend he’s Sonic, striking Sonic poses and using Sonic’s phrases. Somehow he got it in his head that spinach is the key to Sonic’s speed (I think it was his teacher who convinced him --thank you, thank you, thank you!). Since Monday, he’s been asking for spinach; zucchini or broccoli won’t do. Mind you, sonny has never been a fan of spinach, so I had to find a tasty way to hook him.

I found just the dish on The Wednesday Chef (one of my favorites, not just for the food, but her writing is also very entertaining). It was actually the anchovies that got me. I nixed the radicchio (which I do like, but it had to be spinach this time) and eggs (which sonny won’t eat) and it still came out spectacular (because anchovies never disappoint). And it was a snap to throw together (literally 20 minutes).

Pasta with bagna cuda and spinach

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 ½ oz anchovy fillets
• 1 half head of garlic, finely minced
• ¼ cup + 1 tbs flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1 bunch spinach, cleaned, stemmed and roughly chopped
• zest and juice of ½ lemon
• grated Parmesan cheese for topping
• 8 oz dry long pasta (such as linguine, spaghetti, pappardelle)

Set the pasta water over to boil. Add plenty of salt and cook the pasta according to package directions.

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, anchovies and garlic. Slowly cook the mix, breaking up the anchovies, until the garlic is soft (but not brown). Turn off the heat and add the ¼ cup of chopped parsley, spinach and lemon zest and juice. When the pasta is done drain it and toss with the mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the rest of the chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.