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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


San Giuseppe’s Pasta a Tianu: Castelvetrano’s Proud Sicilian Classic

San Giuseppe’s Pasta a Tianu: Castelvetrano’s Proud Sicilian Classic

📖 What is it

Dive into the heart of Sicilian tradition with Pasta a Tianu di San Giuseppe — a vibrant celebration of fresh veggies and bold Mediterranean flavours from Castelvetrano.

⏱️
Prep Time
Around 20 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
About an hour
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Spring
4.7/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 600 g pasta of your choice
  • 800 g fresh sardines
  • 1 kg wild asparagus (Castelvetrano style)
  • 1 kg cauliflower
  • 1 kg broccoli
  • 500 g wild fennel
  • 3 sardines preserved in oil
  • 1 onion
  • 50 g pine nuts
  • 100 g raisins
  • 150 g toasted chopped almonds
  • 200 ml tomato sauce
  • 200 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
650 kcal
Protein
28 g
Fat
28 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fiber
6 g
Sugars
8 g
Sodium
420 mg

If you’re after a truly authentic taste of Castelvetrano’s heritage, look no further than the Pasta a Tianu di San Giuseppe. This richly flavoured dish hails from the feast day of Saint Joseph on 19th March and is bursting with fresh vegetables, wild fennel, and tender fresh sardines. It’s a joyous melody of Mediterranean aromas and textures that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones on special occasions or simply bringing the family together.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Trim the cauliflower and broccoli into florets, then give the wild asparagus and fennel a good wash.

  2. 2

    Boil all the vegetables in plenty of salted water, drain and set aside, but keep hold of the cooking water.

  3. 3

    Warm some of the olive oil in a saucepan, toss in the vegetables and gently allow them to infuse over a low heat, stirring regularly.

  4. 4

    Prepare the fresh sardines by removing heads, spines and bones, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

  5. 5

    Finely chop the onion and gently fry it in olive oil. Add the fresh sardines and the oil-preserved ones, followed by the pine nuts, raisins and tomato sauce.

  6. 6

    Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer slowly for about 20 minutes.

  7. 7

    Cook the pasta in the vegetable water until just al dente, drain, and mix with half of the sardine sauce.

  8. 8

    Brush a baking dish with oil, layer in some pasta, spoon over sauce, scatter vegetables and sprinkle toasted almonds.

  9. 9

    Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with sauce and almonds.

  10. 10

    Bake at 190°C for 20 minutes, then let it rest briefly before serving warm or at room temperature.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a richer flavour, swap some fresh sardines for anchovies, or leave out the fish altogether for a fully vegetarian feast. Adding a few bay leaves during cooking lends an extra layer of Mediterranean fragrance.

📦 Storage

  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes before serving.
  • You can freeze portions and warm them straight from frozen in the oven.

🍷 Pairing

Enjoy this Pasta a Tianu di San Giuseppe alongside a glass of young Contea di Sclafani red—its harmonious aroma and elegant structure beautifully highlight the sardines and vegetable medley.

Give this gorgeous Sicilian classic a go in your own kitchen — it’s a comforting, vibrant dish that really brings people together. Whether for a family supper or a special occasion, Pasta a Tianu di San Giuseppe invites you to share a slice of Castelvetrano’s soul, rich in flavour and warmth. Don’t forget to pass it around the table and create some wonderful memories along the way!

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