Pasta con le Sarde
Pasta con le Sarde is a classic Sicilian dish that combines the delicate flavors of fresh sardines with fennel, raisins, and toasted pine nuts. The pasta, typically bucatini or linguine, is coated in a savory-sweet sauce that embodies the essence of Sicilian cuisine. It’s a comforting, aromatic dish that delivers a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
Ingredients
- 400 g bucatini or linguine pasta
- 500 g fresh sardines cleaned and filleted
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 100 g golden raisins
- 50 g pine nuts toasted
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bucatini or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and fennel seeds, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Add Sardines: Gently add the sardine fillets to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking them up slightly as they cook.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the golden raisins and toasted pine nuts. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Enjoy your Pasta con le Sarde warm with a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
If sardines are not available, anchovies can be used as a substitute. For a vegan version, omit the sardines and substitute with roasted vegetables or mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.