Pasta con le Sarde

Name: Pasta con le Sarde
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Malloreddus pasta (or short pasta); 8 oz can canned sardines in oil; 1/2 cup fresh fennel (or fresh dill), chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/8 tsp saffron threads; 6 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup warm water

Sardinian pasta with tender sardines, wild fennel, garlic, and saffron, finished with Pecorino Romano for a bold, briny dish.

35 minMediumServes 4480 cal/serving

ItalianDinnerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

1 lb Malloreddus pasta (or short pasta)
8 oz can canned sardines in oil
1/2 cup fresh fennel (or fresh dill), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp saffron threads
6 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup warm water

Instructions

1

Dissolve 1/8 tsp saffron threads in 1/4 cup warm water and let steep for 5 minutes.
2

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook 1 lb Malloreddus pasta (or short pasta) according to package directions until al dente.
3

Heat 6 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4

Add 8 oz can canned sardines in oil with their oil and gently break apart with a fork. Cook for 2 minutes.
5

Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh fennel (or fresh dill) and the saffron-infused warm water. Simmer for 3 minutes.
6

Drain Malloreddus pasta (or short pasta) and add to the skillet. Toss gently to combine, coating the pasta in the sauce.
7

Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss again.
8

Divide into serving bowls and top with 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve immediately.

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Questions

Is there a substitute for Pecorino Romano in Pasta con le Sarde?

The entry for Pasta con le Sarde calls for 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese. In its place: Parmesan, measure for measure. It is a little less salty and sharp, so taste for salt.

Can I make Pasta con le Sarde dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Pasta con le Sarde is 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Pasta con le Sarde gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Pasta con le Sarde is 1 lb Malloreddus pasta (or short pasta). Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Pasta con le Sarde contain fish?

Yes: 8 oz can canned sardines in oil. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Pasta con le Sarde?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 480 calories, with 28 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 720 mg sodium.

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