Spaghetti with Bottarga and Lemon Zest

Recipe

Spaghetti with Bottarga and Lemon Zest

Mediterranean Delight: Zesty Spaghetti with Bottarga

4.8 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Italian cuisine with this exquisite dish of Spaghetti with Bottarga and Lemon Zest. This traditional recipe showcases the richness of bottarga, a delicacy made from cured fish roe, combined with the freshness of lemon zest to create a harmonious and vibrant pasta dish.

Jan Dec
Pasta› Spaghetti con la bottarga
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Gluten-free (with gluten-free spaghetti), Dairy-free, Low-carb (in moderation)

Allergens

Fish (bottarga)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Nut-free

Ingredients

  • 250g (8.8 oz) spaghetti
  • 50g (1.8 oz) bottarga, grated
  • 1 lemon, zest finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
  2. 2.
    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. 3.
    Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the lemon-infused oil.
  4. 4.
    Sprinkle the grated bottarga over the spaghetti and toss gently to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
  5. 5.
    Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. 6.
    Serve the spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Bottarga — Make sure to use high-quality bottarga for the best flavor. Grate it finely just before using to preserve its freshness and texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to find your favorite combination with bottarga.
  • If bottarga is not available, you can substitute it with grated Parmesan cheese for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon zest according to your preference for citrus flavor.
  • Serve the spaghetti immediately after tossing to enjoy it at its best.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti with Bottarga and Lemon Zest as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate of spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the beautiful strands of spaghetti coated in the golden bottarga and lemon zest.

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