Pasta con Sarde

Pasta con Sarde is a traditional Sicilian dish that combines the rich flavors of sardines with the sweetness of raisins and pine nuts, creating a delightful and satisfying meal. This dairy-free recipe highlights the essence of Sicilian cuisine, making it a perfect lunch choice for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or bucatini) - 160g
• Fresh sardines, cleaned and filleted - 200g
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 small
• Ancho chili flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
• Saffron threads - a pinch
• Raisins - 30g
• Pine nuts - 30g
• Fennel fronds, chopped - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon, zested - 1/2

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the fresh sardines and cook until they begin to flake, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the saffron threads (dissolved in a tablespoon of water), raisins, and toasted pine nuts to the skillet, stirring to combine.
6. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors for about 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fennel fronds before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from sardines, promoting heart health.
• Contains antioxidants from garlic and chili flakes, supporting the immune system.

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