Orecchiette Pasta with Sardines, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil

Orecchiette with Sardines and Cherry Tomatoes
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4

This classic Southern Italian dish brings together the unique and bold flavors of fresh sardines, tangy cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers, creating a harmonious and vibrant sauce that beautifully coats the traditional Orecchiette pasta. It’s a delightful way to embrace the coastal flavors of Italy in a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sardines
   Start by cleaning the sardines. Rinse them under cold water and then remove the heads. Using a small knife, cut the fish down the middle to remove the backbone. You should be left with two fillets per sardine.

2. Prepare the Other Ingredients
   Next, pit the black olives by hand and set them aside. Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. Set aside with the olives.

3. Cook the Sauce
   Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the whole garlic clove (slightly crushed) and sauté it gently to infuse the oil. After about 1 minute, add the fresh chili peppers, chopped into rings, for a bit of heat.

4. Add Sardines to the Sauce
   Once the garlic is golden and aromatic, add the sardines to the pan. Allow them to cook gently, breaking apart into chunks as they soften. Let the sardines cook for a few minutes.

5. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Capers
   When the sardines are nearly done, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates. Now, add the cherry tomatoes and the salted capers (previously rinsed under water to remove excess salt). Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.

6. Final Flavor Enhancements
   Remove the garlic clove from the sauce. At this point, add freshly chopped basil to the pan, reserving a little for garnishing at the end. Stir well, and remove the pan from the heat.

7. Cook the Orecchiette
   While preparing the sauce, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Orecchiette according to package instructions, typically about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, saving a bit of the pasta water for later if needed.

8. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
   Add the drained Orecchiette to the pan with the sardine and tomato sauce. If the sauce looks a little dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir the pasta and sauce together, allowing the flavors to meld.

9. Finish with Lemon and Basil
   Grate the lemon zest directly into the pan, infusing the dish with a fresh citrusy aroma. Add a final drizzle of olive oil for richness, and sprinkle some extra basil on top for a burst of freshness.

10. Serve and Enjoy
    Serve your Orecchiette with Sardines and Cherry Tomatoes in warm bowls. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, allowing the vibrant, savory flavors to shine through.

Tips for the Perfect Orecchiette with Sardines and Cherry Tomatoes:

• Fresh Sardines: Sardines are the star of this dish, so make sure to use the freshest available. If you can’t find fresh sardines, you can substitute with good-quality canned sardines, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Olives and Capers: The combination of black olives and capers gives this dish its signature briny and savory flavor, but be careful with the salt as these ingredients are already quite salty. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Heat: The fresh chili peppers add a nice kick to the dish, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
• Lemon Zest: The lemon zest at the end brightens up the dish and gives it a lovely aromatic finish, so don’t skip this step.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This dish is a delightful combination of savory and fresh ingredients, perfect for a light but satisfying meal. With its delicate balance of briny olives, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil, it’s a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy the taste of the sea with every bite!