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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.