Spaghetti with Sardines, Dill and Fried Capers
A sophisticated pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with crispy fried capers, golden sardines, and fresh dill, all topped with seasoned breadcrumbs. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- •1 pound spaghetti
- •⅓ cup olive oil
- •¼ cup capers
- •2 cups bread crumbs
- •½ cup dill
- •2 cans sardines
- •4 cloves garlic
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Cook spaghetti in a pasta pot of well- salted boiling water until al dente.
10 min
- 2.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Fry capers until they "bloom" and are just a shade darker, about 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Toast bread crumbs in same skillet, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and toss with capers, dill, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
5 min
- 3.
Add sardines to skillet with their oil (if using 3 cans sardines, discard oil from 1 can) over medium-high heat, then force garlic through a garlic press into skillet. Sauté until sardines are golden in spots around edges, about 2 minutes.
2 min
- 4.
Reserve 1 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta. Add pasta to skillet with cooking water and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss until pasta is coated and sauce is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve topped with seasoned crumbs.
2 min
