Located between Milan and Torino in northern Italy,
Il Mongetto specializes in the simple, direct flavors of the region. This artichoke sauce is the perfect example. Made with hand-trimmed artichokes, anchovies for a briny, umami kick, and a smidge of extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and pepper, the flavors marry perfectly with pasta.
Mix some spoonfuls of carciuga—pronounced car-CHOO-gah, with car- for carciofo (Italian for artichoke) and -ciuga for acciuga (Italian for anchovy)—with a drizzle of good olive oil to turn ordinary pasta night into a culinary trek through the Italian countryside. This sauce is just like that.