Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Tagliatelle with Basil Sauce: A Mediterranean Burst in Every Bite
Discover the vibrant freshness and creamy charm of Sicilian-inspired tagliatelle tossed in a fragrant basil sauce – a perfect taste of the Mediterranean.
📖 What is it
Discover the vibrant freshness and creamy charm of Sicilian-inspired tagliatelle tossed in a fragrant basil sauce – a perfect taste of the Mediterranean.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320g fresh tagliatelle
- ✓ 20 basil leaves
- ✓ A small handful of parsley
- ✓ 1 ice cube
- ✓ 2 spoons of natural yoghurt
- ✓ 1 tablespoon grated pecorino sardo
- ✓ 40g peeled almonds
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Picture a dish that captures the intense aroma of fresh basil and the warmth of the Sicilian sun: tagliatelle with basil sauce will whisk you away on a Mediterranean journey. The delicate tang of yoghurt blends wonderfully with the crunch of toasted almonds, creating a simple yet characterful meal that's bursting with flavour.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cook the tagliatelle in plenty of salted boiling water, following the packet instructions for timing.
- 2
Meanwhile, pop the basil leaves, parsley, ice cube and a pinch of salt into a blender. Pulse, gradually drizzling in the extra virgin olive oil until you get a smooth, fragrant base.
- 3
Add the yoghurt, pecorino, and almonds to the mix, then blitz again until beautifully creamy and well combined.
- 4
Drain the pasta and toss it with the basil sauce, making sure every strand is evenly coated.
- 5
Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve piping hot, finishing with a drizzle of olive oil.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a more refined touch, try toasting the almonds before adding them. Swap the pecorino for a sprinkle of ricotta salata for a milder yet tasty twist.
- •
Opt for artisanal durum wheat tagliatelle or even pappardelle if you prefer a more rustic bite that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- •
The star ingredient here is basil, lending fresh aroma and brightness. For a lighter, dairy-free alternative, swap the yoghurt for a creamy cashew sauce or a plant-based yoghurt.
- •
When preparing the sauce, be gentle with the basil leaves, adding the ice cube to help preserve their vibrant green colour. Pulse with olive oil to achieve a silky texture.
- •
A secret ingredient to amplify umami is nutritional yeast flakes – they add a lovely depth to the dish.
- •
For a gluten-free version, try corn or rice tagliatelle and ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- •
The key to this recipe lies in preserving the freshness of the ingredients and keeping the method uncomplicated to celebrate the simple pleasures of Mediterranean cooking.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftover tagliatelle in an airtight container in the fridge; best enjoyed within two days to retain their texture and flavour.
- • Reheat gently in a pan, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce without causing it to separate.
- • Keep the basil sauce cold in a covered jar and use within 2-3 days to preserve its vivid colour and fresh aroma.
- • Avoid freezing the sauce as it will dull the basil's vibrant flavour and colour.
🍷 Pairing
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Sicilian white such as Grillo from Contea di Sclafani, whose citrus notes lift the creamy basil sauce perfectly. Alternatively, a fruity Catarratto or an elegant Ligurian Vermentino offer a similarly fresh but subtly different accompaniment.
Why not bring a little bit of Sicily into your kitchen by trying this lively tagliatelle with basil sauce? It’s a straightforward recipe that’s full of vibrant flavours—ideal for sharing with your loved ones on a sunny evening. Give it a go, and don’t forget to share the joy (and maybe the recipe) at your next dinner party!
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