Sardine Pasta Dish

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Sardine Pasta Dish.

1. Step 1

   To start your culinary adventure, grab a skillet and warm up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Step 2

   Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the bread crumbs.

3. Step 3

   Stir them frequently as they transform into crispy, golden morsels—this should take about 2 to 5 minutes.

4. Step 4

   When they reach that perfect crunch, transfer the toasted bread crumbs to a bowl and set them aside for later.

5. Step 5

   Next, take a mortar and pestle to gently grind some saffron threads.

6. Step 6

   Once they’re finely crushed, mix in a splash of white wine to create a fragrant blend that will elevate your dish.

7. Step 7

   Now, let’s move to a large pot filled with lightly salted water.

8. Step 8

   Bring it to a rolling boil and add the bucatini pasta.

9. Step 9

   Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s almost al dente—this should take around 10 to 11 minutes.

10. Step 10

    Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining the rest.

11. Step 11

    Back to the skillet! Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

12. Step 12

    Add in the diced onion and fennel, along with a pinch of salt.

13. Step 13

    Sauté these aromatic veggies, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 10 minutes.

14. Step 14

    Now, stir in the golden raisins, minced garlic, and an anchovy fillet.

15. Step 15

    Cook this mixture for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

16. Step 16

    Pour in your saffron and wine mixture, letting it simmer until it nearly evaporates—this should take about 2 minutes.

17. Step 17

    Add a ladleful of the reserved pasta water and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

18. Step 18

    Toss in the toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, allowing the sauce to reduce and the flavors to deepen for about 5 minutes.

19. Step 19

    It’s time to add the cooked bucatini and crumbled sardines to the skillet.

20. Step 20

    Crank up the heat to high and stir frequently, adding more reserved pasta water as needed, until everything is heated through—this should take around 5 minutes.

21. Step 21

    Once it’s all come together, remove the skillet from the heat.

22. Step 22

    Serve your delightful pasta in bowls, garnishing each with fresh fennel fronds and those crispy bread crumbs you set aside earlier.

23. Step 23

    Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful textures in every bite!.