Pasta with sardines and wild fennel

Pasta with sardines and wild fennel

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a simple and delicious recipe that combines Mediterranean flavors with a less common ingredient, then this pasta recipe with sardines and wild fennel is perfect for you. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also healthy, being rich in omega-3 and nutrients. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 400 g pasta (preferably spaghetti or linguine)
- 300 g fresh sardines (or canned if fresh ones are not available)
- 1 bulb of wild fennel
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 chili pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
- juice of 1 lemon

Preparation:

1. Preparing the fennel: Start by cleaning the wild fennel bulbs. Cut off the top and bottom of the bulb, then slice it thinly. Rinse the slices under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, boil the fennel in a pot of salted water for about 10 minutes, until it becomes soft but still crunchy. This step is essential as the fennel will add a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.

2. Preparing the sardines: If using fresh sardines, clean them of scales and intestines, then rinse them well under cold water. Place them on a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb excess water. If using canned sardines, drain them well from oil or water.

3. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and then the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes. Make sure to keep them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and, if you like, the sliced chili pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden, being careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter. After that, add the sardines and boiled fennel, stirring gently to avoid breaking the fish. Cook everything for 3-4 minutes.

5. Finishing the dish: When the pasta is ready, drain it and reserve a cup of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the cooking water to combine the flavors. Mix well, add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want a creamier sauce, you can add some grated Parmesan.

6. Serving: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top can add an extra touch of flavor.

Variation suggestion: You can experiment with other ingredients, such as black olives or capers, to enhance the Mediterranean taste. You can also replace the sardines with anchovies for a stronger flavor.

This pasta recipe with sardines and wild fennel will not only impress your family and friends but will also bring a touch of sunshine to your plate. Enjoy the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean!

 Ingredients: sardines, wild fennel, tomato juice, extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, salt for boiling the pasta and for boiling the fennel, pine nuts, raisins, breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons