Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Arricciati ca lumìa di Buccheri: a zesty lemon and mint delight
A fragrant summer pasta from Siracusa, where sharp lemon, fresh mint and rich olive oil come together to create a truly Mediterranean taste.
📖 What is it
A fragrant summer pasta from Siracusa, where sharp lemon, fresh mint and rich olive oil come together to create a truly Mediterranean taste.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400 g arricciati (or any short pasta of your choice)
- ✓ 3 fresh mint leaves
- ✓ 2 cloves
- ✓ zest of one lemon, finely grated
- ✓ 1 garlic clove
- ✓ 1 lemon, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- ✓ juice of 2 lemons
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ freshly chopped parsley
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the authentic flavours of eastern Sicily with arricciati ca lumìa di Buccheri, a summery dish that marries the zing of lemon with the gentle freshness of mint, all elevated by locally pressed extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for those seeking something light yet full of flavour, this first course will whisk you away to the sun-drenched scents and colours of our homeland on the warmest days.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Start by mixing the lemon juice with an equal amount of extra virgin olive oil in a bowl.
- 2
Add the finely chopped garlic, cloves, chopped mint, lemon zest and the lemon pieces.
- 3
Pour everything into a glass jar, seal it and give it a good shake until you have a thick, fragrant emulsion.
- 4
Cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain.
- 5
Gently warm the dressing in a pan, add the pasta and toss well for a few minutes to combine flavours.
- 6
Turn off the heat, then stir in the parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
- 7
Give it one last mix and serve your arricciati ca lumìa di Buccheri immediately, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a little extra kick, try adding a pinch of chilli flakes to balance the citrus sweetness.
- •
Swap some of the lemon for lime to introduce a more exotic, zesty aroma.
- •
Sprinkle roughly chopped toasted almonds for a lovely crunch and richer flavour.
- •
If you want a heartier version, add some salt-cured anchovy fillets to boost the umami without overpowering the fresh citrus notes.
- •
For a vegan and gluten-free alternative, opt for corn or rice pasta and make sure your olive oil is top quality to keep the complex aromas intact.
- •
The secret to this dish lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the quality of the olive oil, which should be cold-pressed to bring out every scent.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours to preserve freshness and flavour.
- • This pasta is also delicious served at room temperature or chilled, making it perfect for a summer picnic or day at the beach.
- • If preparing ahead, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over before serving to restore shine and softness.
🍷 Pairing
To accompany this dish, choose a Sicilian white wine such as Contessa Entellina Sauvignon, whose crispness and fruity notes complement the lemon and mint beautifully. Alternatively, a Grillo from western Sicily offers a similar aromatic profile. If you prefer something from further afield, a Ligurian Vermentino or a Venetian Soave would also make excellent partners for this light and fragrant plate.
Making arricciati ca lumìa di Buccheri at home brings a slice of Sicily’s sun, sea and tradition straight to your table. This simple yet aromatic dish is perfect for sharing joyful moments with loved ones — don’t forget to spread the love by sharing it with family and friends, using the buttons below!
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