Spaghetti with sardines, dill and fried capers

Discover the delightful flavors of our Spaghetti with Sardines, Dill, and Fried Capers recipe. Made with tender pasta, rich olive oil, crispy breadcrumbs, and savory garlic, every bite is a perfect harmony of tastes. Top it off with fresh dill and golden fried capers for a dish that's both simple and sophisticated. Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor!

  • 01 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 15 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Spaghetti with sardines, dill and fried capers

Spaghetti with sardines, dill, and fried capers is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines savory sardines, fragrant dill, and the unique tang of capers. This recipe offers a balance of textures and flavors, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying and elegant meal.

Ingredients:

16 oz pasta
450g
4 tbsp capers
36g
1/3 cup olive oil
70g
2 cans sardines
180g
2 cups bread crumbs
220g
1/2 cup dill
4.45g
4 garlic cloves
12g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Capers:
- In a large, deep skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the capers and fry until they are crispy and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the capers with a slotted spoon and set them on a paper towel to drain.
3. Prepare the Bread Crumbs:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the bread crumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the toasted bread crumbs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Cook the Sardine Mixture:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the drained sardines and break them up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sardines, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the chopped dill and fried capers. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
6. Serve:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with the crispy bread crumbs on top for a delightful crunch.
- Optionally, drizzle with a bit more olive oil and garnish with extra dill if desired.

Tips:

- Ensure to toast the bread crumbs until golden brown for an added layer of texture.

- Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill can be a substitute if necessary.

- Rinse and pat dry the capers before frying to avoid excess splattering.

- When frying the capers, make sure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy texture.

- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

- Gently break the sardines into smaller pieces while mixing them into the pasta for an even distribution.

- Garlic can be adjusted based on your preference; more garlic will give the dish a stronger aroma and flavor.

This Spaghetti with sardines, dill, and fried capers dish is a simple yet sophisticated meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. The combination of savory sardines, aromatic dill, and crunchy fried capers will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Pair it with a crisp white wine for a complete dining experience.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size160 grams
Energy
Calories 490kcal25%
Protein
Protein 22g15%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 80g24%
Fiber 4.29g11%
Sugar 4.30g4%
Fat
Fat 18g22%
Saturated 2.79g9%
Cholesterol 44mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 10ug1%
Choline 40mg7%
Vitamin B1 1.05mg88%
Vitamin B2 0.53mg41%
Vitamin B3 9mg59%
Vitamin B6 0.23mg13%
Vitamin B9 220ug56%
Vitamin B12 2.87ug119%
Vitamin C 0.46mg1%
Vitamin E 0.79mg5%
Vitamin K 4.76ug4%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 200mg16%
Copper, Cu 0.40mg44%
Iron, Fe 5mg48%
Magnesium, Mg 70mg17%
Phosphorus, P 360mg28%
Potassium, K 380mg11%
Selenium, Se 70ug133%
Sodium, Na 500mg34%
Zinc, Zn 2.03mg18%
Water
Water 33g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Lamb, spinach and tomato rissoles

A simple yet delightful dish that's sure to impress.

11 Mar 2025

Curried quinoa chickpea stew with fennel

Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

01 Apr 2025

Garlic-roasted salmon with kale

An easy, healthy dish that's perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion.

05 Jun 2025

One-pot italian chicken

Finished with a rich blend of heavy cream, chicken gravy, spinach, and fresh basil, this effortless meal brings a taste of Italy to your table—all in one pot.

03 Sep 2025

Oven-baked chicken risotto

Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it's sure to become a family favorite.

24 May 2025

One-pot pasta primavera with vegetables

Ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend dinner, this vegetarian pasta recipe is sure to be a family favorite.

26 May 2025

Pork with rosemary and mustard crust

Ready in just under an hour, it's an ideal choice for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

07 Jun 2025

Lamb burgers

Try it today for a gourmet twist on your next burger night.

05 Jun 2025

Posts