Spaghetti with tomato and olive dressing and sardine-flavored breadcrumbs

Spaghetti Recipe with Tomato, Olive, and Sardine-Flavored Breadcrumb Dressing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Who doesn’t love a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal? This spaghetti recipe with tomato, olive, and sardine-flavored breadcrumb dressing is perfect for those looking to whip up a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the fresh ingredients and unique combination of flavors will turn any dinner into a memorable experience.

A bit of history

Spaghetti is a staple food in many culinary cultures and has a fascinating history. This type of pasta was popularized in Italy, but its origins can be traced back to various forms of dough around the world. In this recipe, we’ve added ingredients that enhance flavor and texture, such as Kalamata olives and sardines, both rich in nutrients and taste.

Ingredients

- 4 large, ripe tomatoes
- 8 pitted Kalamata olives
- Olive oil (to taste)
- 1/2 lemon
- 150 grams whole wheat spaghetti
- 40 grams canned sardines
- 1 garlic clove
- Chili flakes (to taste)
- 1 slice of whole grain bread
- 20 grams Ricotta or Feta cheese
- 2 sprigs of fresh basil

Ingredient details

Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes, as they will add sweetness and intense flavor to the dish. Tomatoes can be of various varieties, but those with meaty flesh are best suited for this recipe.

Kalamata olives: These olives have a rich taste and are ideal for adding a flavor punch to the dish. If you can’t find Kalamata olives, green olives can be a good alternative.

Sardines: They are an excellent source of omega-3 and protein. Using canned sardines is a practical and quick choice, but if you prefer, you can cook fresh ones.

Ricotta or Feta cheese: Both types of cheese add a pleasant creaminess and a contrast of textures, but Feta will provide a more pronounced salty note.

Step by step

1. Preparing the tomatoes: Start by pricking each tomato a few times with a fork. This step helps them cook evenly and peel easily. Then, add the tomatoes to a pot of boiling salted water and boil for 30 seconds. After that, remove them and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Boiling the pasta: In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente, so they have a firm texture.

3. Preparing the dressing: Once the tomatoes have cooled, peel them and cut them into quarters. Remove the seeds and place them in a sieve, keeping the juice that drains out. Cut the tomato flesh into cubes and add them to a bowl along with the quartered olives.

4. Adding flavors: Press the seeds with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Add the juice obtained to the bowl with tomatoes and olives. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon. Mix well to combine the flavors.

5. Preparing the breadcrumbs: Check the sardines, ensuring you’ve removed any bones and skin. Place them in a food processor along with the garlic clove and chili flakes. Pulse until it becomes a fine paste. Add the slice of bread and pulse again until you achieve a homogeneous breadcrumb.

6. Toasting the breadcrumbs: Transfer the obtained breadcrumbs to a pan and toast over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and crispy. This step will add a delicious texture to your dish.

7. Assembling the dish: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and mix it with the previously prepared dressing. Divide the pasta into two plates and drizzle with a little olive oil. Sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs on top and add a few fresh basil leaves and Ricotta or Feta cheese.

8. Serving: You can serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad for an extra crunch and freshness. A pomegranate or a glass of dry white wine would perfectly complement the meal.

Practical tips

- If you want to add a spicier note, you can use more chili flakes in the dressing.
- This dish is delicious cold as well, so you can turn it into a pasta salad for hot summer days.
- If you don’t have sardines available, you can substitute with canned tuna or cooked chicken pieces.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can use rice or other gluten-free grain pasta, and the recipe will remain just as delicious.

2. What is the nutritional value of this recipe? This recipe is rich in protein due to the sardines, and the tomatoes and olives provide a significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants. One serving has approximately 450 calories, depending on the exact amounts of olive oil and cheese used.

3. Can I replace Feta cheese with something else? Of course! You can omit the cheese or substitute it with tofu for a vegan option.

4. How can I store leftovers? If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little olive oil to rebind the flavors.

This spaghetti recipe with tomato, olive, and sardine-flavored breadcrumb dressing is more than just a simple dish – it’s an explosion of flavors, a perfect combination of textures, and a wonderful way to enjoy fresh ingredients. Enjoy your meal!