Spaghetti con Ricci di Mare (Spaghetti with Sea Urchins) Recipe Guide

Spaghetti con Ricci di Mare is a delightful Italian dish that celebrates the briny flavors of the sea, featuring fresh sea urchin as its star ingredient. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful showcase of the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. From my own personal experience, the combination of creamy sea urchin with al dente spaghetti creates a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Let me show you how I make this exquisite dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When you prepare Spaghetti con Ricci di Mare, you can expect a delightful balance of flavors where the ocean’s essence is prominent yet not overpowering. The richness of the sea urchin complements the spaghetti beautifully, creating a dish that’s both luxurious and comforting.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed:
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
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Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 200g fresh sea urchin (ricci di mare)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon
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Method

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt (about 1 tablespoon) to the water.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat Oil: While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can become bitter.
3. Add Sea Urchin: Gently add the sea urchin to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and oil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Season: If desired, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Drain Pasta: Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest in a colander.
2. Combine: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sea urchin sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Garnish: Serve the spaghetti warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Variations

• Seafood Additions: You can enhance the dish by adding other seafood such as shrimp or scallops.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace sea urchin with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for a vegetarian alternative.
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Tips

• Freshness: Ensure that the sea urchin is fresh for the best flavor. If you’re unsure, ask your fishmonger for help.
• Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency, so don’t discard it all at once.
• Serving: Serve immediately as the dish is best enjoyed fresh.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti made from brown rice or quinoa.
• Vegan: Omit the sea urchin and add more vegetables or vegan cream to create a creamy sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g

I hope this guide has made making Spaghetti con Ricci di Mare seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!