Uni makes for a great creamy pasta!

Uni Pasta: Indulge in the Creamy Delights of the Sea

Uni pasta, a sumptuous dish that marries the creamy, briny flavors of sea urchin (uni) with the comforting familiarity of pasta, is a luxurious treat for any seafood lover. This dish, while simple in its number of ingredients, offers a complex palette of flavors that is sure to impress. Here’s how you can bring a bit of gourmet flair into your kitchen with this delightful recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 200 grams of spaghetti or linguine (use high-quality pasta for the best results)
  • 100 grams of fresh uni (sea urchin roe)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)

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. Reserve about a cup of pasta water for later use before draining the pasta.
  1. Prepare the Uni Sauce:
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
  • Gently add half of the uni to the skillet. Stir carefully to break the uni apart and mix it into the olive oil, creating a creamy mixture. If using heavy cream, add it now and stir to combine.
  • Pour in the lemon juice, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes.
  1. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the uni sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until you reach the desired consistency.
  1. Serve:
  • Transfer the pasta to serving dishes. Divide the remaining fresh uni over the top of the pasta for added texture and richness.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley, and if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving.
  1. Enjoy:
  • Serve your uni pasta immediately, ideally paired with a glass of crisp white wine that complements the creamy richness of the uni.

Serving Suggestions:

Uni pasta is best enjoyed fresh, right after cooking. The dish’s elegant simplicity makes it a perfect choice for a special occasion or an intimate dinner. The key to maximizing the flavor of this dish lies in the quality of the uni; fresher uni ensures a richer, more oceanic flavor that truly shines when paired with the subtle backdrop of pasta and garlic.

This uni pasta recipe is a testament to the sophistication that can be achieved with just a few high-quality ingredients. It’s a dish that brings a taste of the ocean’s bounty to your dining table, wrapped in the warmth of classic comfort food. Whether for a lavish treat or a delightful twist on pasta night, uni pasta promises a dining experience that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.