This Pasta with Sardines and Sweet Grape Tomatoes is the perfect choice for a quick, flavor-packed meal. Today, we’re sharing all the details to help you prepare this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dry pasta of your choice
- 1 ½ cups sweet grape tomatoes (about 7 oz)
- 1 can sardines in olive oil (4.4 oz)
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 dried bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 hard-boiled eggs for serving
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped, for garnish
How to make Sardine and Grape Tomato Pasta:
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. While you wait, wash, dry, and slice the grape tomatoes in half crosswise.
- Open the can of sardines, transfer the fillets to a plate, and use a fork to remove the central backbone. Mash the hard-boiled eggs using a potato ricer or fork to create a fine crumble and set aside.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat the ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bay leaf and tomatoes, sautéing for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Pour in the white wine, add the sardines, and mix well.
- Add the lemon zest, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to form a rustic sauce—the tomatoes and sardines will partially break down. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet while still hot.
- Toss gently with the sauce, adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water at a time to create a silky consistency. Serve immediately, topped with the hard-boiled egg crumble and fresh parsley or rosemary.
Tip:
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that pasta with sardines has deep roots in Italian tradition but is beloved in many cultures worldwide? In Portugal, it is known as “Massa de Sardinha” and is a popular choice, especially during the Saint John festivities. Sardines are prized not only for their unique flavor but also for being an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. By enjoying this dish, you’re treating yourself to a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal that is as nutritious as it is tasty!
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