Pasta con le Sarde

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide a similar texture and flavor at a lower cost.

sardines

🥗Healthier: mackerel

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna is often less expensive and widely available.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a budget-friendly alternative for sautéing.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried figs

Dried figs can be a more economical choice with a similar sweetness.

Chop the dry bread into small pieces using a food processor.

Heat a little olive oil in a pan and add the chopped bread to make it crispy.

Saute the bread until it turns a nice golden color, then set it aside to cool.

In the same pan, add more olive oil and heat it up.

Add chopped onion, fennel, and garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant.

Season with sea salt, black pepper, and hot pepper flakes while stirring.

Add a pinch of saffron and mix until it melts into the mixture.

Stir in a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste and mix well for color.

Pour in the Chardonnay white wine and let it cook down a bit.

While the sauce is cooking, boil water for the pasta.

Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then reserve some pasta water before draining.

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve with crispy bread on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens