Sicilian Style Sea Urchin Spaghetti

Ingredients

In this Sicilian adaptation, the traditional Italian Spaghetti ai ricci di mare is infused with the vibrant flavors of Sicilian cuisine. The addition of garlic, chili flakes, and lemon zest adds a zingy kick to the dish, while the use of fresh parsley and extra virgin olive oil as garnish enhances the overall presentation and taste. We alse have the original recipe for Spaghetti ai ricci di mare, so you can check it out.

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti 350g (12 oz) spaghetti
• 6 fresh sea urchins 6 fresh sea urchins
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   While the spaghetti is cooking, carefully open the sea urchins and collect the roe (orange part) in a bowl. Discard the shells.
3. 3.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the sea urchin roe to the pan and gently break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss until well coated with the sea urchin sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Sicilian Style Sea Urchin Spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sea Urchin — When handling sea urchins, use gloves to protect your hands from the spines. Carefully open the sea urchins using a pair of kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Collect the roe (orange part) and discard the rest.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili flakes to suit your taste.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Serve the spaghetti immediately after tossing with the sauce to enjoy it at its best.

Serving advice

Serve Sicilian Style Sea Urchin Spaghetti as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, twirl the spaghetti onto individual plates using tongs or a pasta fork. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.