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Casarecce with Cod, Zucchini, and Black Olive Sauce

17/11/2023

Casarecce with cod, zucchini, and black olive sauce is a balanced and flavorful dish that combines the delicacy of fish with the intensity of olives, with a fresh touch provided by zucchini. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 320 g casarecce
  • 200 g cod (can be fresh or frozen)
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 100 g pitted black olives
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 200 ml tomato puree
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

  1. If you are using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it completely before use. Then cut the cod into cubes of about 1 cm per side.
  2. Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and cut them into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
  3. In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the whole peeled garlic clove. Let it brown for a couple of minutes.
  4. Remove the garlic and add the zucchini rounds to the pan. Sauté them until they start to color slightly.
  5. Add the cod cubes to the zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Be careful to gently turn the fish so as not to flake it too much.
  6. Add the sliced black olives and stir carefully.
  7. Pour the tomato puree into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the casarecce following the package directions for cooking time, draining them al dente.
  9. Drain the pasta and transfer it to the pan with the cod and zucchini sauce. Mix well to flavor the pasta with the sauce.
  10. If desired, add chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
  11. Serve immediately, if you like, with a sprinkling of freshly ground pepper or grated lemon zest for a touch of acidity.

Fun Fact

Casarecce are a type of pasta typical of Italian cuisine, particularly from Sicily. Their spiral shape and roughness make them particularly suitable for holding sauce, making this dish a perfect example of the harmony between pasta and sauce in Italian recipes.

Casarecce with Cod, Zucchini, and Black Olive Sauce