Spaghetti Sardines

Method

• How to Make Spaghetti Sardines
• Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil
• Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente
• While spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Add crushed garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute
• Sprinkle chilli flakes into the garlic oil and stir for a few seconds
• Pour the can of chopped tomatoes into the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes
• Drain the sardines, reserving the tomato sauce they are packed in
• Add sardines and their reserved tomato sauce to the tomato mixture in the skillet
• Break sardines gently with a spoon to distribute through the sauce
• Stir in chopped black olives and capers, simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes
• Taste and season with salt if needed, being mindful of the olives and capers’ salt content
• Drain spaghetti, reserving a small cup of pasta water
• Add drained spaghetti to the sauce in the skillet and toss well to combine
• If the mixture is too dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved
• Remove from heat and toss in chopped parsley
• Plate the spaghetti neatly into bowls or plates, twirling with tongs for height
• Spoon extra sauce and sardine pieces on top of each serving
• Optional: Garnish with extra parsley for fresh color
• Serve immediately while hot