"Puttanesca" literally translates to "in the style of prostitutes.” The wildly inaccurate story behind the name is that Neapolitan prostitutes supposedly used this recipe’s pungent aromas of garlic, anchovies, capers, and olives to lead customers to their doors. They would have tossed this in pasta, of course, but it works just as well on zucchini noodles, and the combination of healthy fats that comes with olive oil, olives, capers and fatty fish makes this dish pack an aromatic yet keto-friendly punch.
Keto Zucchini Noodles Puttanesca Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups zucchini noodles
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons anchovy fillets, finely chopped
- Large crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup capers, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup kalmata olives, chopped pitted
- 1 cup whole peeled canned tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, roughly broken up by hand
- 1 5-oz can sardines, mackeral or tuna, broken up with a fork
- Small handful fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon or Fleur de sel and freshly ground freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
In a medium skillet, combine 4 tablespoons oil, garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium-low heat until garlic is very lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Adjust the stove temperature to keep the garlic sizzling gently. Add capers and olives and stir to combine.
Add tomatoes, stir to combine, and bring to a bare simmer.
Add zucchini noodles and stir to coat. Stir in remaining olive oil, parsley, and cheese.
Season with salt and pepper. You probably won't need much salt since the dish already has a lot of salt in it from the other ingredients. Stir in sardines (or mackerel/tuna). Garnish with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve. Serves 2-3.
This strong-flavoured dish isn't for anyone, but if these flavours appeal to you as they much as they do to me, you'll love this dish. Zucchini noodles puttanesca is one of my favourite keto noodle dishes as you really don't have to change the base recipe and the zucchini noodles just make it easier to prepare. Just make sure you have some breath mints handy for afterward. ;)
Did you give this keto zucchini noodle puttanesca recipe a try? If so, let me know what you think in the comments. Or if you share any pics on Instagram, tag me so I can see your creations.
