Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (4.375 oz) sardines in oil, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add sardines to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon.
4. Add lemon juice and parsley to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Protein: 16g
- Sodium: 310mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Linguine or fettuccine can be used instead of spaghetti.
- Canned tuna can be used instead of sardines.
- Dried parsley can be used instead of fresh parsley.
Variations:
- Add chopped cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Use capers instead of red pepper flakes for a briny taste.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to add to the sauce if it's too dry.
- Use a microplane to zest the lemon for extra lemon flavor.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best taste.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large pasta bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too dry, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Sardines have been a popular food in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, salty, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Region: Italian