I remember the first time I tasted Spaghetti with Cuttlefish Ink: a journey to Sicily turned into an authentic culinary experience. There, I discovered this recipe deeply rooted in local tradition, as simple as it is astonishing.
Compared to many other dishes in Italian cuisine, these spaghetti encapsulate the true flavor of the sea and captivate with their intriguing appearance and bold taste. Making this Sicilian recipe at home is easier than you might think: it only takes 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. With just 350 calories per serving, it is also a relatively light yet extremely tasty choice.
Whether it’s a dinner with friends or a Sunday lunch with family, Spaghetti with Cuttlefish Ink is the perfect choice for those looking for a quick, light, and incredibly flavorful dish.
Recipe Notes
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: easy
- ADVANTAGES: authentic Sicilian flavor
- DISADVANTAGES: long cooking times
- PREPARATION: 20 minutes
- COOKING TIME: 30 minutes
- IDEAL FOR: lovers of traditional Sicilian cuisine
Notes on the Recipe Ingredients
Let’s discover the secrets behind this delicious Sicilian recipe.
- Spaghetti pasta: The ideal base to absorb the unique flavor of cuttlefish ink.
- Cuttlefish: Provide the cuttlefish ink, cooking them well is crucial for the success of the dish.
- Garlic: Adds depth to the flavor, use in moderation so as not to overpower the other ingredients.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferable for its fruity aroma and superior quality.
- Tomato fillets: Offer a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of the cuttlefish ink.
- Dried red chili pepper: A pinch is enough to add that spicy touch that awakens the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color to the dish, sprinkle over before serving.
- Salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors, but be careful not to overdo it.
Nutritional Values of the Sicilian Dish with Pasta and Cuttlefish Ink
This traditional Sicilian dish, known for its unique flavor and appealing presentation, offers several nutritional benefits, but with some considerations to keep in mind:
- Spaghetti pasta: Provides long-lasting energy thanks to complex carbohydrates.
- Cuttlefish: Rich in high-quality proteins and an excellent source of minerals such as iron and zinc, contributing to the well-being of the immune system.
- Olive oil: Source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. However, moderate use is recommended to keep calories in check.
- Fillet of tomato and freshly chopped parsley: Provide vitamins, especially vitamin C and lycopene, powerful antioxidants that promote skin health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Dried red chili pepper: Stimulates metabolism, although it should be consumed with caution by those with digestive disorders.
With 350 calories per serving, this recipe represents a balanced option for a main meal, as long as it is part of a varied and balanced diet.
Squid Ink Spaghetti: A Quick Sicilian Delight
Ingredients
- 500 g Spaghetti pasta
- 2 Cuttlefish of 150 g each
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 glass Olive oil
- 300 g Tomato fillets
- 1 Dried red chili
- 1 handful Fresh chopped parsley
- Salt
Instructions
- Clean the cuttlefish and carefully detach the bladder containing the black, avoiding breaking it. Cut the cuttlefish into strips and after washing them, let them drain well in a colander.
- Prepare a stir-fry with oil, garlic, parsley and chili pepper in a frying pan. When the garlic is golden brown, add the cuttlefish and bladders. Break up the bladders with a ladle while cooking to add flavor.
- Add the tomato fillets and a pinch of salt, then simmer with the lid on.
- Boil spaghetti in salted water and drain when al dente.
- Pour some of the sauce into a soup bowl, add the spaghetti and mix well. Spread the remaining sauce over the top and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
Notes
Variations and Ideas for a Unique Seafood Dish
Exploring the variations of this Sicilian classic opens up a world of flavors and textures. For those looking for alternatives to traditional pasta, cuttlefish ink tagliolini offer an elegant twist with the same chromatic and gustatory richness. A gluten-free version can be made using rice or quinoa spaghetti, keeping the charm of the dish intact.
Varying the type of mollusk is another fascinating path: replacing cuttlefish with squid or octopus, perhaps adding mussels to further enrich the seafood taste, completely transforms the culinary experience. For lovers of intense flavors, grating bottarga over the dish before serving adds an irresistible briny note.
Adding aromatic herbs such as basil or fresh mint instead of parsley offers an interesting contrast that refreshes the palate. Finally, for those who prefer spicy dishes, increasing the amount of red chili pepper or introducing even hotter varieties will give that extra thrill to every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe for Spaghetti with Cuttlefish Ink.
How to properly clean the cuttlefish?
Clean the cuttlefish thoroughly and remove the bladder containing the ink without breaking it. Cut them into strips, wash them well, and let them drain.
How to prepare the sauce for the spaghetti?
Sauté garlic, parsley, and chili in a pan with oil. Add the cut cuttlefish and the bladders, breaking them during cooking to flavor everything. Add tomato fillets, salt, and simmer.
What type of pasta is recommended to use?
It is recommended to use spaghetti pasta for this traditional Sicilian recipe.
