Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta: A Gluten-Free Twist
For centuries, Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta has been a beloved tradition, steeped in the rich flavors of southern Italy. This dish, rooted in Sicilian customs, embodies the Mediterranean approach to Christmas Eve—simple, good, beautiful food, bursting with bold, vibrant ingredients. Traditionally served without meat, it reflects the Italian custom of La Vigilia, a feast enjoyed on the night before Christmas.
Thanks to Mountain High Organics, this cherished dish can now be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities. Their premium gluten-free spaghetti offers a seamless alternative to traditional pasta, ensuring this iconic recipe remains inclusive without compromising on taste or texture.
The Ingredients That Make It Special
This recipe blends pantry staples and unique Sicilian flavors for a dish that’s as comforting as it is sophisticated:
- Mountain High Organics gluten-free spaghetti
- Olive oil, anchovy paste, and minced garlic for depth
- Calabrian chilies and Italian seasoning for a hint of spice
- Cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and marinara for a robust sauce
- Toasted pine nuts, golden raisins, and Kalamata olives for sweet and savory harmony
- Fresh parsley and Pecorino Romano cheese to finish
Crafting the Sauce
The magic of Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta lies in its rich and flavorful sauce. Start by sautéing olive oil with anchovy paste, garlic, and Calabrian chilies, infusing the base with bold, fragrant aromas. Add fresh cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and a hearty marinara sauce to create a luscious, thick mixture. Toasted pine nuts, golden raisins, and chopped Kalamata olives are then stirred in, adding layers of texture and flavor that elevate the dish.
Bringing It All Together
Once your Mountain High Organics gluten-free spaghetti is cooked and ready, toss it directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring every strand is coated with the savory-sweet Sicilian flavors. Use reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency, then garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
This gluten-free adaptation of Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta is perfect for sharing during the holidays, blending old-world tradition with modern inclusivity. Celebrate the season with a dish that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor!
Sicilian Christmas Eve Pasta
Ingredients
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- 1 pound Mountain High Organics Spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil , plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
- 3 large garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian chilies
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes , cut in half
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons double-strength tomato paste
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- ½ cup pine nuts , lightly toasted
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup Kalamata olives , chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley , chopped, plus more for serving
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, save about 1 cup of the pasta water, drain the spaghetti, rinse with hot water, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the anchovy paste, garlic, and Calabrian chiles and cook, stirring, for 2 – 3 minutes or until very fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper, and cook until they start to break down, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, bring to a boil, and cook, uncovered for 10 minutes. Add the pine nuts, raisins, and olives and cook, uncovered for another 10 minutes. Taste, add salt and pepper if needed. Add the spaghetti to the sauce and stir to coat. Add some pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve the pasta with chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated cheese.
Nutrition
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