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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Pasta with Moorish Sauce: A Zesty Citrus and Tuna Bottarga Delight

Pasta with Moorish Sauce: A Zesty Citrus and Tuna Bottarga Delight

Dive into this Sicilian classic from Syracuse — pasta tossed in a lively citrus-infused sauce, enriched with the distinctive flavour of tuna bottarga.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 5 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 20 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Summer
4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 400g long pasta (spaghetti, bucatini or linguine)
  • 60g grated tuna bottarga
  • 2 tablespoons toasted breadcrumbs
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon chopped chilli
  • A small handful of chopped parsley
  • Juice of one orange
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon caster sugar
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
480 kcal
Protein
20 g
Fat
18 g
Carbohydrates
58 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugars
5 g
Sodium
320 mg

If you're after a first course that sings of the sea and citrus groves, this pasta with Moorish sauce is a dream come true. A simple yet elegant recipe from Syracuse where the richness of tuna bottarga meets the bright freshness of orange and lemon. In just a few minutes, you’ll bring an ancient and irresistible taste straight to your table.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Toast the breadcrumbs gently in a non-stick pan over a low heat, stirring until golden, then set aside.

  2. 2

    Warm 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan with the garlic and chilli, taking care not to burn the garlic.

  3. 3

    Add the parsley, orange juice, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Season with salt and let it simmer gently.

  4. 4

    Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water, drain when al dente, reserving a little of the cooking water.

  5. 5

    Stir the bottarga into the sauce, mix well and add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to bring it all together.

  6. 6

    Return the pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss over a low heat for a minute or two.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately, finishing with the toasted breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

💡 Tips and Variations

For an extra burst of flavour, try grating some orange zest or scattering toasted pine nuts over the top. For a lighter twist, swap some of the bottarga for flaked fresh tuna.

📦 Storage

  • Best enjoyed fresh to savour the flavours at their peak.
  • If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
  • Reheat gently over a low heat with a splash of water before serving.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this dish with a glass of Contessa Entellina Ansonica, a crisp and savoury Sicilian white wine that complements the bottarga and citrus notes beautifully.

Give this wonderful Sicilian dish a go at home and treat yourself to its vibrant, sun-kissed flavours. It’s perfect for a relaxed summer evening and sure to impress your family and friends alike. Do share your kitchen triumphs – good food is best enjoyed together!

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