Sicilian Pasta with Sardines, Broccoli, and Pecorino

Pasta with Sardines and Broccoli
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sardines: Start by cleaning the fresh sardines. You will need around 500g of uncleaned sardines, which will yield approximately 200g of cleaned sardines. To clean them, remove the head under running water, ensuring you discard any unwanted parts. Set them aside.

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2. Prepare the Broccoli: Next, clean the broccoli. Detach the florets from the stalk (you should have about 200g of florets). Cut the florets into small pieces and wash them thoroughly under running water. Set aside the florets. The broccoli stalk, once peeled of its tougher outer layer, can be used for other recipes like vegetarian burgers or soups.

3. Prepare the Aromatics: Peel and slice the red onion. In a large pan, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic cloves and fresh chili pepper, letting them infuse the oil for about two minutes. Add the sliced onion to the pan, and cook gently for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Remove the garlic once the onions have softened.

4. Boil the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta. Add the pasta once the water is boiling and follow the instructions on the package for al dente perfection.

5. Cook the Sardines and Broccoli: Once the onions are tender, add the cleaned sardines to the pan. Sauté them on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Then, add the prepared broccoli florets and continue cooking for an additional few minutes. Stir occasionally and check if you need to add a splash of pasta cooking water to help soften the broccoli and keep the dish moist.

6. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a ladle of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the pan with the sardines and broccoli. Stir everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Finish the Dish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and add the Pecorino Romano cheese, cut into small cubes. Cover the pan with a lid for a minute to let the cheese melt into the pasta.

8. Serve: Give the pasta a final stir to mix everything well and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Enjoy your rich and flavorful pasta with sardines and broccoli!

This Pasta con Sarde e Broccoli brings together the rich umami flavor of fresh sardines with the earthy bitterness of broccoli and the sharp tang of Pecorino Romano cheese. The addition of chili and garlic infuses the dish with warmth and depth, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a true celebration of Sicilian flavors!