Stuffed Swordfish Rolls with Capers, Olives, and Basil

Involtini di Pesce Spada (Swordfish Rolls) Recipe

Category: Secondi Piatti (Main Dishes)

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Preparing the Filling:

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:
   Begin by preparing the filling for your swordfish rolls. Take the green olives and salted capers, and finely chop them with a knife. For the tomatoes, cut them in half, scoop out the seeds, and then dice them into small cubes. Chop the fresh basil leaves finely, saving a few whole leaves for garnish or later use.

2. Mix the Filling:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, capers, diced tomatoes, and chopped basil. Add the breadcrumbs to the mixture, ensuring it binds the ingredients together. Then, finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the mix. Season with about half a teaspoon of ground chili pepper (adjust according to your spice preference), a pinch of fine salt, and drizzle in a little extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The filling should be slightly moist but firm enough to hold when stuffed into the swordfish.

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Preparing the Swordfish Rolls:

3. Prepare the Swordfish:
   Lay out the swordfish fillets on a clean surface, ensuring they are properly thawed if previously frozen. Lightly season the fish with a sprinkle of fine salt. To create the rolls, take each swordfish fillet and cut it in half lengthwise, creating two thinner pieces per fillet.

4. Stuffing the Swordfish:
   Take a small spoonful of the prepared filling (about 16g per piece) and place it in the center of each piece of fish. Carefully fold in the sides of the fish over the filling, then roll it up tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. The swordfish fillets should form neat little bundles. Repeat this step with the remaining fillets and filling.

5. Final Touches:
   Slice the remaining tomatoes into thin rounds. Lay the slices over the top of each swordfish roll for added flavor and color. Before cooking, lightly sprinkle the swordfish rolls with a little more breadcrumbs to give them a crisp texture once baked.

Cooking the Swordfish Rolls:

6. Cooking in the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom. Place the stuffed swordfish rolls into the dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top of the rolls and garnish with a few extra leaves of fresh basil.

7. Bake the Rolls:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the swordfish rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breadcrumbs have turned golden and crispy. You can check the doneness of the swordfish by gently pressing on it; the flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.

8. Serving:
   Once the rolls are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the Involtini di Pesce Spada warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra olive oil, if desired. These swordfish rolls are perfect when paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):

Tips & Variations:

• For a Lighter Version: If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or simply omit it entirely for a more delicate texture.
• Add a Zesty Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon zest shavings before baking the rolls.
• Side Pairing: These Involtini di Pesce Spada are fantastic served with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or you can pair them with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers.
• Substitute Fish: If swordfish is not available, you can easily swap it with tuna or halibut, which will provide a similar texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

This Involtini di Pesce Spada recipe combines the bold flavors of swordfish, briny olives, and capers with the freshness of tomatoes and basil. The breadcrumb coating creates a crunchy exterior, while the tender fish and flavorful stuffing melt together in each bite. Perfect for a mid-week dinner or a special occasion, these swordfish rolls will surely impress your guests with their delicate yet vibrant flavors.