Sicilian Sardine Pasta Delight: A Flavorful Tribute to St. Joseph’s Day 🍝

St. Joseph’s Day Sicilian Pasta con Sarde 🍝

Description:

This delightful recipe for Sicilian Pasta con Sarde hails from the esteemed Cucina Deliziosa Cookbook, a treasure trove of culinary wonders! Originally contributed by the talented Mary Patronella, this dish is a celebration of flavors that dance on your palate. Dive into the essence of Sicilian cuisine with this hearty and aromatic pasta dish, perfect for special occasions or any day you crave a taste of Italy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

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   • Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside.
   • Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the fresh parsley.
   • Drain the Italian tomatoes, reserving the juice, and roughly chop them.

2. Saute Garlic:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook Tomatoes:

   • Add the chopped Italian tomatoes along with the tomato paste to the pot.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Add Flavorful Elements:

   • Stir in the raisins and red wine, allowing them to infuse their sweetness into the sauce.
   • Next, add the reserved pine nuts, fennel bulb (thinly sliced), and a sprinkle of sugar for balance.
   • Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

5. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
   • As the sauce cooks, it will thicken and become rich with the essence of Sicilian flavors.

6. Finishing Touches:

   • Once the sauce has simmered to perfection, stir in the freshly chopped parsley and oregano.
   • Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to marry all the ingredients together.

7. Cook Pasta:

   • While the sauce simmers, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Remember, for this authentic Sicilian dish, it’s recommended to use a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well, such as bucatini or fettuccine.

8. Combine and Serve:

   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the pot with the Sicilian Pasta con Sarde sauce.
   • Gently toss the pasta with the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated in the luscious flavors.
   • Transfer the pasta to a serving platter or individual plates.

9. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
   • Serve your Sicilian Pasta con Sarde hot, inviting your guests to savor every bite of this Sicilian masterpiece.

10. Special Serving Note:

    • Traditionally, this pasta is never served with grated cheese. Instead, it is accompanied by special St. Joseph’s Day bread crumbs.
    • Enjoy the unique and vibrant flavors of Sicilian cuisine with this Pasta con Sarde recipe, a true homage to Italy’s culinary heritage.

🍷 Wine Pairing:

Pair this Sicilian Pasta con Sarde with a robust red wine such as a Nero d’Avola or a Chianti Classico. The bold flavors of the dish complement the deep, rich notes of these wines, creating a memorable dining experience.

🌿 Recipe Notes:

• For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If fresh sardines are not available, canned sardines packed in oil can be used as a substitute.
• Don’t rush the cooking process—the slow simmering of the sauce is key to developing its rich flavors.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further.

Embrace the spirit of Sicily with this St. Joseph’s Day Sicilian Pasta con Sarde recipe, a culinary journey that captures the essence of tradition and taste! 🇮🇹✨