History’s Most Notorious Gangsters' Favorite Recipes (2024)

Photo: New York City Police Department / Public Domain

Anthony Graziano: Penne Alla Vodka

Anthony Grazianowas the center of an infamous Staten Island underworld family who served the Bonanno family for decades. Working his way up to consigliere, Grazianowas famous for his tight-lipped nature and loyalty in the face of multiple convictions.

His daughters, on the other hand, have made their career talking openly on their showMob Wives. They have even published a family cookbookand shared their recipe for penne alla vodka on The Today Show.

The Grazianos' Penne Alla Vodka:

1 lb. penne

3 tbsp. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

Salt and pepper

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 (28 oz.) cans San Marzano crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup of vodka

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp. butter

1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

All the cooking information is on the Today website.

Photo: Federal Bureau of Invesitgation / Public Domain

Al Capone: Secret Spaghetti Recipe

Since 2010, Capone's family has become legally involved in the distribution of Al Capone's famous secret spaghetti sauce. Capone was notorious for a lot of shenanigans, but he was also known by his family and friendsfor being passionate about Italian cooking. Accordingly, he guarded a number of his favorite recipes closely.

Capone's famous spaghetti sauce is still pulling punches decades after the end of his reign.

Al Capone's Secret Spaghetti Recipe

2 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cupparsley leaves

3/4 cupwalnut pieces

2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

1 lb.fresh or dried spaghetti

2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 cupgrated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cupchopped or sliced tomato for garnish

Photo: Alan Light / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Mickey Cohen: Formosa Café's Sticky Ribs

The swanky Formosa Caféin Los Angeles has unclear origins, but its train car interior and Hollywood celebrity clientele have long made it a favorite. Mickey Cohen and his hired muscle Johnny Stompanatoalso enjoyedmeals at Formosa frequently in the late 1940s and early '50s.

By then, Formosa was serving Cantonese comfort food cooked up by chef Lem Quon. Quon'sstepson Vince Jung eventually took over the restaurantand provided the recipe for Formosa's classic sticky ribs.

Formosa's Sticky Ribs:

2 tbsp. kosher salt

2 tbsp. cracked black pepper

1 tbsp. cinnamon

1 rack baby back ribs

2 tsp. peanut or vegetable oil

2 tbsp. garlic, chopped

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

3 tbsp. sweet chili sauce

1 tsp. black sesame seeds, for garnish

1 scallion, chopped, for garnish

Find out how to cook the ribs at the Cooking Channel's website.

Photo: Simon & Schuster

Joseph Iannuzzi: Shrimp Scampi

Joseph Iannuzziworkedfor the Gambino family before they turned on him in 1981. Iannuzzi spent decades informing on theGambinos for the FBI, becoming something of a media personality with his nickname "Joe Dogs." He also went by "Joe Diner" - a reminder that Iannuzzi was quite the chef and made more than a few meals for his peers.

Iannuzzi'sMafia Cookbookincludes both amusing stories and delectable recipes, including this one for shrimp scampi.

Joseph Iannuzzi's Shrimp Scampi:

2 lbs. jumbo shrimp

2 sticks butter

1 shallot, chopped fine

3 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped fine

2 cups sour cream

2 tbsp. chopped dried chives

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1 tsp. Accent seasoning (optional)

Put all the ingredients together followingthe recipe inIannuzzi's book and serve over rice.

Photo: United States Department of Justice / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Mickey Cohen: Cole's French Dip Sandwich

Mickey Cohen was among the most powerful bosses in Los Angeles in the '40s.He madealliances with Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel before inheriting the LA underworld for himself. Cohen was said to hold court daily at Cole's, and had little patience for anyone who triggered his short temper, occasionally taking them into an adjoining storage room.

Like everyone at Cole's, Cohen scarfed down their famous French dip sandwiches. While the recipe isn't public, they do hint that their au jus is "basically a bone broth" and cooks two or three days before being served.

What's Cooking America provides a recipe that is probably similar to Cole's secret one, allowing curious chefs to get closeto the real thing.

Cole's French Dip Sandwiches:

French Dip Sandwich:

1(4-lb.)beef rib eye,sirloin, or tenderloin roast

1/2cupblack pepper,coarsely ground

8French rolls

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

Beef juices from cooking pan

1(10.5 oz.) canbeef stockorbeef broth

1/2cupwater

Saltand pepper to taste

The step-by-step recipe is available at the What's Cooking America website.

Photo: Mosca's Restaurant/Facebook

Carlos Marcello: Mosca’s Shrimp Mosca

The center of mafia activity in New Orleans wasn't a shady warehouse, but Mosca's Restaurant. The booming Italian eatery was connected with Al Capone and Carlos Marcello, and offered easy access to the local gambling houses. Popular dishes included the classic spaghetti and meatballs, as well as a shrimp entree called "Shrimp Mosca."

While you can still visit Mosca's, those without access to New Orleans can cook the famous recipe at home.

Mosca's Shrimp Mosca:

2 lbs. large, headless fresh shrimp

3/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp. salt

1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp. dried oregano

1 tbsp. dried rosemary

3 dried bay leaves

6-10 cloves unpeeled garlic, pounded

1/2 cup dry white wine

The recipe is simple, savory, and available directly from Mosca's website.