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Some dishes arrive at the table with a history already attached, a story woven into every bite. Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor is one such creation. Born from a Hollywood legend’s simple craving and the culinary expertise of a Portofino hotel chef, this pasta dish isn’t about extravagance; it’s about the perfect marriage of fresh ingredients and thoughtful technique. The recipe, a twist on classic spaghetti pomodoro, has become legendary and I recently attempted to recreate it in my own kitchen to see if it lived up to its star-studded reputation.
Elizabeth Taylor’s enduring love affair with Portofino, Italy, is well-documented. She celebrated four honeymoons in the picturesque town and received a marriage proposal from Richard Burton while filming Cleopatra in 1964. While known for her opulent jewelry, Taylor apparently preferred simplicity when it came to food. According to accounts from the Belmond Hotel Splendido, where Taylor frequently stayed, she simply loved spaghetti with tomato sauce. This prompted the hotel’s executive chef, Corrado Corti, to develop a special recipe in her honor – a dish that has since become a signature offering.
The Three Tomato Secret
What sets Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor apart isn’t a long list of ingredients, but rather the way the tomatoes are prepared. The recipe calls for three different types of tomatoes, each treated uniquely to maximize flavor and texture. The foundation begins with roasting datterini tomatoes – a small, sweet variety – with thyme, brown sugar, lemon zest, and sea salt for three hours at a low temperature of 80°C (176°F). This slow roasting caramelizes the tomatoes, intensifying their sweetness. [Belmond Hotel Splendido] San Marzano tomatoes, known for their meaty texture and low acidity, are peeled, seeded, and sliced, while fresh cherry tomatoes are added towards the conclude for a burst of freshness.
The combination of these three tomato preparations – roasted, peeled, and fresh – creates a depth of flavor that’s far more complex than a typical tomato sauce. The slow-roasted datterini tomatoes provide a concentrated sweetness, the San Marzano tomatoes offer a robust base, and the cherry tomatoes add a bright, vibrant finish. The recipe also incorporates Ligurian olive oil, garlic, a pinch of oregano, and fresh basil, all contributing to the dish’s overall elegance.
Recreating the Glamour at Home
Attempting this recipe at home requires a bit of patience, primarily due to the three-hour roasting time for the datterini tomatoes. However, the hands-on time is minimal. I found the process surprisingly straightforward, and the aroma that filled my kitchen during the roasting process was intoxicating. Using high-quality ingredients is crucial; the flavor of the tomatoes truly shines through, so selecting ripe, flavorful varieties is essential. [Allrecipes] I sourced San Marzano tomatoes in a can, ensuring they were DOP certified to guarantee authenticity.
The final dish was, as promised, both simple and stunning. The sauce wasn’t heavy or overpowering; instead, it was bright, fresh, and bursting with tomato flavor. The roasted datterini tomatoes added a subtle sweetness that balanced the acidity of the San Marzano tomatoes perfectly. The pasta, cooked al dente, provided the ideal texture to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s easy to see why this dish became a favorite of Elizabeth Taylor’s – it’s a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with care and attention to detail.
A Lasting Legacy
Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor isn’t just a pasta dish; it’s a culinary tribute to a Hollywood icon and her enduring love for Portofino. Created by chef Corrado Corti at the Splendido Hotel, the recipe continues to be a beloved staple on the hotel’s menu. [ Parade] The dish exemplifies how simplicity, when executed with precision and quality ingredients, can create something truly special. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable meals are the ones that focus on letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
As the story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s romance continues to captivate, so too will the legacy of the pasta dish created in her honor. The enduring appeal of Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor lies in its ability to transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of Portofino, evoking a sense of glamour and timeless elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is well worth the effort, offering a taste of Hollywood history and Italian culinary excellence.
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