Sicilian Pasta with Sardines

Sicilian Pasta with Sardines

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Ingredients

  • 6 oz. spaghetti or linguini
  • 1 (4.25 oz.) tin boneless, skinless sardines in olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 Tbs olive oil
  • ½ large sweet onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 Tbs capers, drained (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to the package instructions.
  2. Open the sardines and drain the olive oil into a frying pan and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Add the breadcrumbs and continue cooking until crumbs are lightly toasted and crisp. Transfer crumbs to a plate and set aside.
  4. Add the Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the same pan and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion and sauté until the onions are soft and softly caramelized.
  5. Add the sardines, breaking them apart into smaller pieces. Toss well.
  6. Add the lemon zest, parsley, red pepper, and capers. Mix well.
  7. Drain pasta, saving ¼ cup of the cooking liquid for later use.
  8. Return pasta to the pan. Add the sardine mixture and half of the reserved cooking liquid. Toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add a little more liquid if needed.
  9. Add the breadcrumbs, toss again and decorate with the lemon wedges.
  10. Serve warm.