Pasta & rice main dishes

Spaghettini with bluefish and ’crazy water’ sauce

⏱ 30 min🍳 30 min👤 2 pp★★☆☆☆

Seafood recipes are always the best choice when you want to provide a light and nutritious meal to impress guests who love eating flavoursome food without compromising their diet and wish to stay in shape. Italian cuisine is rich in dishes that are perfect for maintaining this balance, that don’t require any denial of all the great flavours that distinguish its gastronomy. That’s why today we suggest pasta with lots of bluefish and a ‘crazy water’ sauce. Bluefish is perhaps not among the most well-known fish species, with a distinctive taste similar to that of sea bass, although the two fish are nevertheless somewhat different. Are you ready to be inspired by our culinary suggestion, and serve a traditional Mediterranean dish that really hits the mark?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
38g
Carbohydrates
58g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
30 minutes Active time
Serves 2 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Take a pan with high sides, and add the oil and the garlic. Sauté. Add the halved tomatoes and the white wine. Let the wine reduce, then add the water. When everything is simmering, add the fish with its skin still on. Move it around from time to time. When it is cooked, remove from the pan, take off its skin and divide into fillets. Let the sauce reduce and thicken until it’s just the correct consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Separately, cook the pasta in salted water. Drain and mix with the ‘crazy water’ sauce. Serve with the fish fillets and fresh parsley.

Tips
The bluefish is used in some marinade recipes as a replacement for bass because it is slightly "drier" compared to the latter.
Trivia
It seems that the historic recipe for ‘crazy water’ sauce was invented on none other than the island of Ponza in the region of Lazio.

Step by step

Sauce
Sauce
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Spaghettini with Spanish Mackerel and Cherry Tomatoes

A tasty variant of spaghettini with Spanish mackerel is the one that includes fresh cherry tomatoes. This version enhances the flavor of the Spanish mackerel, making the dish even more colorful and inviting. The cherry tomatoes, halved, blend perfectly with the oil and garlic, creating a sauce rich in flavor. To prepare this variant, just follow the basic recipe, but make sure to use quality cherry tomatoes to achieve the best taste. You can also choose to add a pinch of chili for a touch of spiciness, which pairs well with the fish. This preparation is perfect for a summer lunch when the cherry tomatoes are in season and the Spanish mackerel is fresh. A dish that never disappoints!

Spaghettini with Spanish Mackerel Campania Style

The preparation of spaghettini with Spanish mackerel Campania style is a tribute to the culinary tradition of Campania. This variant stands out for the use of fresh ingredients typical of the region, such as the Spanish mackerel, which is cooked in a simple sauce made with garlic, oil, and cherry tomatoes. The technique of acqua pazza, used in this recipe, enhances the flavor of the fish without overpowering it with excessive seasonings. In Campania, this dish is often served during holidays or special occasions, thanks to its elegance and intoxicating aroma. Moreover, the preparation is quite quick, making it ideal for an impromptu dinner. A dish that encapsulates the freshness of the sea and the culinary tradition of Campania!

Light and Gluten-Free Spaghettini with Spanish Mackerel

For those looking for a lighter version of spaghettini with Spanish mackerel, it is possible to prepare a light dish using gluten-free spaghettini. This option is ideal for those with intolerances or following a specific diet. The preparation remains the same, but it is advisable to reduce the amount of extra virgin olive oil and opt for steaming the fish to retain the nutrients. Using fresh cherry tomatoes and spices like parsley can enrich the dish without weighing it down. This variant is not only lighter but also offers a healthy and tasty alternative, perfect for those who want to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor. Light spaghettini with Spanish mackerel is an excellent choice for a nutritious and light meal!

Benefits of Spanish Mackerel: A Health Ally

Spanish mackerel is an ingredient rich in nutritional properties that make it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. This fish is indeed a source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins. Omega-3s are known for their beneficial effects on the heart and circulatory system, helping to keep cholesterol levels in check. Additionally, Spanish mackerel is relatively low in calories, making it ideal for those looking to maintain or lose weight. On average, 100 grams of Spanish mackerel contains about 150 calories, which makes it a great source of energy without being heavy. Incorporating Spanish mackerel into the diet not only enriches meals with flavor but also provides numerous health benefits.

Can you freeze spaghettini with Spanish mackerel in acqua pazza?

The question of whether it is possible to freeze spaghettini with Spanish mackerel in acqua pazza is common among those who love to prepare meals in advance. In general, it is advised not to freeze pasta that has already been seasoned, as the texture of the spaghettini may deteriorate once thawed, becoming mushy and unappetizing. However, it is possible to freeze the cooked Spanish mackerel separately from the sauce, and later use the fish to prepare a new dish. If you wish to freeze the acqua pazza sauce, you can do so without any problems, but make sure to store it in an airtight container. When ready to consume, simply reheat it and cook the fresh pasta at the moment for an optimal and tasty result!