Croatian-style Pasta with Sardines

Ingredients

In the Croatian adaptation of Pasta chî sàrdi, the traditional Italian dish, we incorporate local Croatian ingredients and flavors. While the Italian version often uses bucatini or fettuccine, we use Croatian pasta varieties such as makaruni or njoki. Additionally, we enhance the sauce with a touch of lemon zest, which adds a refreshing twist to the dish. These adaptations give the Croatian-style Pasta with Sardines its unique character and make it a delightful representation of Croatian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Pasta chî sàrdi, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) Croatian pasta (makaruni or njoki) 300g (10.5 oz) Croatian pasta (makaruni or njoki)
• 400g (14 oz) fresh sardines, cleaned and deboned 400g (14 oz) fresh sardines, cleaned and deboned
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish) Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sardines to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and slightly crispy.
4. 4.
   Remove the sardines from the skillet and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same skillet, add the cooked pasta and lemon zest. Toss well to coat the pasta with the flavors.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with the cooked sardines.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sardines — Make sure to choose fresh sardines and remove the bones before cooking. If fresh sardines are not available, you can use canned sardines packed in olive oil as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking the sardines.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the dish before serving.
• Experiment with different types of Croatian pasta to find your favorite combination with the sardines.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be drizzled over the dish just before serving for an added tangy flavor.
• Serve the Croatian-style Pasta with Sardines alongside a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Pasta with Sardines hot, straight from the skillet, to fully enjoy the flavors and textures. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a delightful dining experience.

Presentation advice

To present the dish beautifully, arrange the cooked sardines on top of the pasta, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and finish with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it on colorful plates or bowls to enhance the visual appeal.