Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Cuttlefish Ink Spaghetti: A Journey into the Flavours of the Sea
Discover the authentic Sicilian cuttlefish ink spaghetti — a bold, elegant seafood pasta bursting with Mediterranean character.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320 g spaghetti
- ✓ 500 g cuttlefish with ink sacs
- ✓ 200 ml tomato sauce
- ✓ 250 g fresh shelled peas
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ A small bunch of parsley
- ✓ 100 g grated cheese
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Cuttlefish ink spaghetti is one of Sicily’s most evocative dishes — a deep, glossy tribute to the island’s maritime soul. Along the coast, it’s a beloved classic: cuttlefish simmering slowly, their rich ink melding with sweet peas and a whisper of tomato until the sauce becomes velvety, briny, and utterly irresistible.
Spring is the perfect moment to prepare it, when both peas and cuttlefish are at their freshest. The perfume of the sea meets the brightness of the season, creating a harmony that feels unmistakably Sicilian.
As the inky sauce clings to each strand of pasta, the aromas of tomato, parsley and the sea itself come together in a dish that’s as dramatic to look at as it is unforgettable to taste.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Rinse the cuttlefish, remove the bone and ink sacs (set these aside), then slice the cuttlefish into thin strips.
- 2
In a saucepan, gently sauté the sliced onion with olive oil and parsley.
- 3
Add the tomato sauce and the cuttlefish strips.
- 4
Once the sauce has reduced, stir in the ink sacs along with the peas.
- 5
Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente.
- 6
Drain the spaghetti and toss it with the prepared sauce.
- 7
Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated cheese.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a hint of heat, add a pinch of chilli to the sauce. You can also swap the peas for fresh broad beans for an equally seasonal variation.
📦 Storage
- • Store in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- • You can freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to one month.
- • Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this cuttlefish ink spaghetti with a glass of Grillo from Contea di Sclafani — an elegant Sicilian white that complements the richness of the sea.
Thank you for exploring this traditional Sicilian seafood classic. May the depth of the ink and the freshness of the peas bring a taste of the island straight to your table. Enjoy every bite.
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