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Gnocchetti Sardi with Swordfish and Pistachios

17/11/2023

Sardinian gnocchetti, also known as “malloreddus”, pair wonderfully with the bold flavor of swordfish and the crunchiness of pistachios, creating a dish that truly sings the praises of Mediterranean tastes. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of Sardinian gnocchetti (malloreddus)
  • 200 g of fresh swordfish, cut into cubes
  • 100 g of shelled and unsalted pistachios
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 200 ml of tomato puree
  • A bunch of fresh parsley
  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated zest of 1 untreated lemon

Preparation

  1. Put a pot of generously salted water on the heat and bring to a boil to cook the Sardinian gnocchetti.

  2. Meanwhile, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and add the garlic clove, letting it brown slightly.

  3. Add the swordfish cubes to the pan and cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the fish is golden. Remove and discard the garlic clove.

  4. Toast the pistachios in a separate pan without adding fats, then coarsely chop them once they have cooled.

  5. In the same pan where you cooked the swordfish, pour in the tomato puree and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat.

  6. Once the sauce has slightly thickened, add the swordfish cubes and half of the chopped pistachios. Cook for another 2 minutes, mixing well.

  7. Drain the Sardinian gnocchetti al dente and transfer them to the pan with the swordfish and pistachio sauce, adding some cooking water if necessary to make the sauce creamier.

  8. Toss together the gnocchetti and the sauce for a minute, adding the remaining extra virgin olive oil and grated lemon zest to give a touch of freshness.

  9. Serve the gnocchetti hot, garnishing each plate with chopped parsley and the remaining pistachios.

Curiosity

Sardinian gnocchetti, typical of Sardinia, have a ridged shape that allows them to collect the sauce with which they are seasoned better. In the variation with swordfish and pistachios, you can notice the combination of marine flavors with those of the mainland, represented by the toasted and green notes of the pistachios. A dish that encompasses the scents and colors of its land of origin.

Gnocchetti Sardi with Swordfish and Pistachios