Nestled in the heart of Bristol’s creative Southville, Sonny Stores is a neighbourhood favourite that has captured the hearts of locals and food lovers alike. This small yet vibrant eatery combines a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that celebrates the best of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Known for its Italian-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist, Sonny Stores offers food that feels both comforting and innovative—a perfect reflection of the community it serves.
Head Chef Pegs, joins us in the kitchen to share his a classic Italian pasts dish. This is the first installment of our local food series celebrating great culinary talent from around Bristol. This dish is simple yet sophisticated. The rich, briny flavour of Cantabrian anchovies melt into the creamy buffalo milk sauce brightened by lemon zest and juice. The addition of garlic, optional chilli, and fresh parsley creates a harmonious balance of salty, creamy, and fresh flavours. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe highlights how a few quality ingredients can create something truly special.
Serves 4
Prep time 15 min
Cook time 20 min
INGREDIENTS:
- 400g Spaghetti
- 6 Anchovy Fillets
- 1 Fresh Red Chilli (optional)
- A few knobs of Buffalo Milk Butter
- Zest And Juice of 1 Lemon
- A Large Handful of Fresh Parsley
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
COOK THE PASTA
- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
MAKE THE SAUCE:
- In a large frying pan, heat butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add the rind and juice of one lemon
- Add one chilli (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the anchovy fillets to the pan, breaking them up with the back of a spoon until they dissolve into the oil and butter mixture.
- Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce, adjusting the consistency as needed.
COMBINE THE SPAGHETTI:
- Using tongs transfer the pasta to the pan and toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
ADD THE PARSLEY:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh parsley and blend into the pasta
SERVE:
- Plate up the spaghetti and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and an anchovy on top. Serve and enjoy!
This pasta recipe uses the flavours that represent the pasta section at Sonny stores perfectly, but in a home setting.
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE
Over the coming months we’ll be championing other great chefs from Bristol’s exciting food scene. We’re thrilled to share their incredible recipes and showcase the restaurants that inspire us, all while bringing you dishes you can easily recreate at home.
