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Ricette di Sicilia

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Broken Spaghetti in Red Snapper Broth: A Taste of the Sea

Broken Spaghetti in Red Snapper Broth: A Taste of the Sea

📖 What is it

Learn how to make delicate broken spaghetti in a fragrant red snapper broth—a light yet flavour-packed dish.

Author: Nino Messina Published on: September 1, 2018
⏱️
Prep Time
about 15 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 45 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Summer

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500g broken spaghetti
  • 800g very fresh red snapper
  • 1 onion
  • A small bunch of parsley
  • 6 peeled tomatoes
  • 1 clove of Nubia red garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
450 kcal
Protein
25 g
Fat
12 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Fiber
4 g
Sugars
5 g
Sodium
500 mg

Dive into the authentic scents of Sicily with broken spaghetti in red snapper broth, a dish that tells the story of the sea and island tradition. The tender pasta melds beautifully with the rich flavour of red snapper, offering a culinary experience that conjures up warm summer evenings along Sicily’s coast, with sea breezes and honest, wholesome tastes.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Quarter the onion and roughly chop the peeled tomatoes.

  2. 2

    In a saucepan, combine the onion, tomatoes, garlic, parsley and the red snapper cut into pieces.

  3. 3

    Cover with water and simmer gently for about 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Strain the broth through a fine sieve to separate it from the fish.

  5. 5

    Cook the broken spaghetti in lightly salted boiling water until just al dente.

  6. 6

    Add the red snapper broth to the pasta and cook for another 5 minutes.

  7. 7

    Stir in the cooked fish, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. 8

    Serve the spaghetti piping hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • For a little kick, add a pinch of fresh chilli to the broth while it simmers.

  • Try swapping the red snapper for similar fish like sea bream or sea bass for a different flavour.

  • Use Sicilian durum wheat spaghetti to really bring out the texture and taste of the dish.

  • For a lighter version, reduce the olive oil and boost the flavour with fresh herbs such as parsley or wild fennel.

  • The secret to this dish lies in the quality of the broth: make a fish stock using the head and bones to deepen the umami.

📦 Storage

  • Store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to keep it fresh and flavoursome.
  • To keep it longer, separate the broth from the fish and freeze for up to a month, preserving its aroma.
  • When reheating, do so gently on the stove to avoid altering the pasta’s texture and to retain the delicate aromas.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this dish with a Sicilian white wine such as Grillo, known for its fresh, fruity notes that complement the red snapper beautifully. Alternatively, a young Catarratto or a Sicilian Vermentino work wonderfully. If you prefer wines from outside the region, an Italian Sauvignon Blanc or a French Chablis also make excellent matches for the dish’s subtle flavours.

Making broken spaghetti in red snapper broth is like bringing a little piece of Sicily to your table, with its unique aromas and flavours. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go and share this delicious journey with your friends and family—there’s nothing quite like enjoying a taste of the Mediterranean together.

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