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#Pasta con le sarde

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment needed: Large pot, frying pan, wooden spoon, colander, knife, chopping board

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• Pasta: 400g spaghetti or bucatini work well
• Fresh sardines: 300g cleaned and filleted (or use canned sardines)
• Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced
• Pine nuts: 2 tablespoons optional
• Raisins: 2 tablespoons for sweetness, optional
• Fennel fronds: 1 tablespoon chopped (or 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds)
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• White wine: 100ml optional
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Breadcrumbs: for topping optional
• Fresh parsley: for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables:
• In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
• Add the Sardines:
• If using fresh sardines, add them to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are just cooked through. If using canned sardines, add them at this stage, along with the tomato paste, white wine (if using), and a splash of the reserved pasta water.
• Combine Flavors:
• Stir in the pine nuts, raisins, fennel fronds, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If it looks too dry, add more pasta water.
• Toss the Pasta:
• Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting it absorb the sauce.
• Serve:
• Divide the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and fresh parsley for garnish, and enjoy!
• Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Swap sardines for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to keep the dish plant-based while maintaining a hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for a bit of heat.

Pasta con le Sarde, or pasta with sardines, is a classic Sicilian dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine. From my own personal experience, it’s a fantastic recipe that impresses everyone at the table, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Let me show you how I make this delicious pasta dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When you prepare Pasta con le Sarde, you can expect a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors, complemented by the rich umami from the sardines. The toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch, while the raisins offer a surprising hint of sweetness that balances the dish beautifully. It’s a meal that evokes the heart of Sicily, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 400g (spaghetti or bucatini work well)
• Fresh sardines: 300g, cleaned and filleted (or use canned sardines)
• Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Pine nuts: 2 tablespoons (optional)
• Raisins: 2 tablespoons (for sweetness, optional)
• Fennel fronds: 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds)
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• White wine: 100ml (optional)
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Breadcrumbs: for topping (optional)
• Fresh parsley: for garnish
• Check out the right types of equipment and ingredients that you need for #pastaconlesarde  here 

Meal Facts

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Time to stand: 5 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Ease of cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Cost of ingredients: $15 – $20 (prices may vary)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main course
• Equipment needed: Large pot, frying pan, wooden spoon, colander, knife, chopping board.
• Check out the right types of equipment and ingredients that you need for #pastaconlesarde  here 

Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Add the Sardines:
   • If using fresh sardines, add them to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are just cooked through. If using canned sardines, add them at this stage, along with the tomato paste, white wine (if using), and a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Flavors:
   • Stir in the pine nuts, raisins, fennel fronds, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If it looks too dry, add more pasta water.
5. Toss the Pasta:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting it absorb the sauce.
6. Serve:
   • Divide the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and fresh parsley for garnish, and enjoy!

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap sardines for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to keep the dish plant-based while maintaining a hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for a bit of heat.

Tips and Substitutions

• If fresh sardines are hard to find, canned sardines in olive oil work just fine, and they’re a great time-saver.
• For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the garlic or reduce the amount used.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the quantities of pine nuts and raisins based on personal taste.
• Check out the right types of equipment and ingredients that you need for #pastaconlesarde  here 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Dry: If the pasta seems too dry after mixing, add more reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
• Fishy Flavor: If using canned sardines, ensure they are packed in good-quality oil to enhance the dish’s flavor.
• Sticking Pasta: Always stir the pasta frequently during the first few minutes of cooking to prevent it from sticking together.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with Pasta con le Sarde. With its simplicity and depth of flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.