Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pasta with Tender Zucchini Leaves: A Delightful Sicilian Summer Soup
Discover the recipe for pasta with tender zucchini leaves (tenerumi), a fresh and flavourful Sicilian summer soup bursting with authentic Mediterranean charm!
📖 What is it
Discover the recipe for pasta with tender zucchini leaves (tenerumi), a fresh and flavourful Sicilian summer soup bursting with authentic Mediterranean charm!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 300g spaghetti
- ✓ 1 bunch of tender zucchini leaves (tenerumi)
- ✓ 4 ripe tomatoes
- ✓ 2 cloves of garlic
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Immerse yourself in the scents and tastes of Sicily with this pasta featuring tender zucchini leaves, known locally as 'cucuzza'. This dish is a celebration of the island’s summer traditions, where the soft leaves of the long zucchini lend a unique freshness and delicate flavour that evoke family lunches under the warm sun. Savour every mouthful as a journey through the vibrant colours and atmosphere of the Mediterranean, where simple ingredients come together to create a truly comforting and genuine experience.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Pick through the tender zucchini leaves, selecting only the softest shoots and leaves, removing any tough fibres.
- 2
Rinse the leaves thoroughly under running water to wash away any soil.
- 3
Blanch them in salted boiling water for 20 minutes, then drain and roughly chop, keeping the cooking water aside.
- 4
Score the tomatoes and briefly plunge them into boiling water to loosen the skins, then peel and chop.
- 5
Finely chop the garlic and gently fry it in extra virgin olive oil in a large pan, taking care not to burn it.
- 6
Add the chopped tomatoes and let them cook with the garlic for a few minutes to develop the flavours.
- 7
Stir in the tender zucchini leaves along with a couple of ladles of their cooking water, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 8
Break the spaghetti into smaller pieces and add them to the pan, cooking while adding more of the reserved cooking water as needed.
- 9
Finish with a generous grind of fresh black pepper and serve piping hot.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer, creamier touch, stir in small cubes of Sicilian caciocavallo cheese and allow them to melt gently into the soup just before serving.
- •
Using a terracotta pot can enhance the traditional flavours and ensure a gentle, even cooking process.
- •
The heart of this recipe lies in the fresh vegetables, especially the tender zucchini leaves, which bring lightness and a refreshing note.
- •
For a more substantial vegetarian version, add white beans such as cannellini or chickpeas, which pair beautifully with the sweetness of the tender leaves.
- •
To boost the umami, try adding a pinch of nutritional yeast or a teaspoon of tomato purée during cooking.
- •
For a vegan alternative, swap the cheese for nutritional yeast or a homemade almond and basil pesto to keep the dish creamy.
- •
The secret to this dish is slow cooking and the use of the freshest ingredients, which highlight the simplicity and authenticity of Sicilian tradition.
📦 Storage
- • Store the pasta with tender zucchini leaves in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 48 hours to preserve its fresh flavour.
- • For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled dish, making sure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn; it will keep for up to a month.
- • When reheating, use the oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes to maintain the texture and taste without drying it out.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this pasta with a crisp Sicilian white wine such as Grillo from the Contea di Sclafani region, served chilled between 6 and 8°C for a fresh, aromatic match. Alternatively, a light Inzolia or a Vermentino from the Sicilian coast beautifully complements the dish’s delicate flavours. If you prefer wines from outside Sicily, a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi or a fresh, mineral Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices.
Making pasta with tender zucchini leaves is like bringing a slice of Sicily to your table — full of tradition, honest flavours, and fond family memories. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go and share the authentic taste of our land with your loved ones. Don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing this summery delight with friends and family!
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