Spaghetti ai lupini is a classic Italian seafood pasta dish that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a light dinner or a special occasion. The key to a great spaghetti ai lupini is using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the lupini clams.
What are Lupini Clams?
Lupini clams (Donax trunculus) are small, bivalve mollusks with a light-colored, slightly triangular shell that ranges in color from beige to lilac. They are similar to vongole (clams) but are smaller, more tender, and have a more delicate flavor. Lupini clams are harvested from the sea, making them a sustainable seafood choice. They are less known and consumed compared to vongole veraci, despite their similar appearance, they are smaller in size and have a more decisive and savory flavor.
Ingredients for Spaghetti ai Lupini
Here's what you'll need to make spaghetti ai lupini:
- 350g spaghetti
- 1 kg lupini clams
- 2 cloves garlic
- 100 ml white wine
- 1 chili pepper (optional)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon zest (optional)
Preparing the Lupini Clams
The most important step in making spaghetti ai lupini is to properly purge the lupini clams of sand. Here's how to do it:
- Rinse the lupini clams under cold running water.
- Place the clams in a large bowl and cover them with cold water.
- Add 30g of salt per liter of water.
- Let the clams soak for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, changing the water every few hours.
- Before cooking, rinse the clams again under cold running water.
Cooking the Spaghetti ai Lupini
Once the lupini clams are purged, you can start cooking the spaghetti ai lupini:
Leggi anche: Ricetta Spaghetti Telline e Lupini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic cloves and chili pepper (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the lupini clams to the pan and pour in the white wine.
- Cover the pan and cook until the clams open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.
- Remove the clams from the pan and set aside.
- Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove any sand or impurities.
- Return the strained cooking liquid to the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan with the cooking liquid.
- Toss the spaghetti to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the lupini clams back to the pan and toss again.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Spaghetti ai Lupini
Here are a few tips to make your spaghetti ai lupini even better:
- Use high-quality spaghetti. The quality of the pasta will affect the overall taste and texture of the dish.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti. It should be al dente, meaning "to the tooth" in Italian.
- Use fresh parsley. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
- Don't be afraid to add a little heat. A pinch of chili pepper can add a nice kick to the dish.
- Serve immediately. Spaghetti ai lupini is best served immediately, while the pasta is still hot and the clams are tender.
- Consider adding some cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- For a richer sauce, add a knob of butter to the pan at the end of cooking.
- If you don't have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or clam juice.
- Some people like to add a splash of lemon juice to the dish at the end of cooking for extra brightness.
- Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Variations of Spaghetti ai Lupini
There are many variations of spaghetti ai lupini. Here are a few ideas:
- Spaghetti ai Lupini with Tomatoes: Add some chopped cherry tomatoes to the pan along with the garlic and chili pepper.
- Spaghetti ai Lupini with Zucchini: Add some diced zucchini to the pan along with the garlic and chili pepper.
- Spaghetti ai Lupini with Saffron: Add a pinch of saffron threads to the cooking liquid for a more luxurious flavor.
- Spaghetti ai Lupini with Bottarga: Sprinkle some grated bottarga (cured fish roe) over the finished dish for a salty, umami flavor.
- Spaghetti ai Lupini with Mussels: Add mussels to the dish along with the lupini clams.
- Spaghetti ai Lupini with Clams and Mussels: Combine both clams and mussels for a richer seafood flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Lupini Clams
Lupini clams are a good source of protein, iron, and minerals. They are also low in fat and carbohydrates, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet. Their savory and marine flavor doesn't require much seasoning; a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and parsley, with a pinch of chili pepper to taste, is enough to enhance their aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Spaghetti ai lupini is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own. It can also be served as part of a larger Italian feast. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
- Serve with a simple salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
- Serve with a glass of dry white wine, such as Vermentino or Pinot Grigio.
- Follow with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or gelato.
- Pair with other seafood dishes for a complete seafood meal.
The allure of Spaghetti ai Lupini
Spaghetti con i lupini is more than just a pasta dish; it's an experience. It evokes the feeling of summer, the sea, and the essence of the Mediterranean. It's a dish that is both simple and elegant, perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of the tender lupini clams, the perfectly cooked spaghetti, and the flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. It's a dish that will transport you to the Italian coast with every bite. It is a classic and timeless dish of Italian coastal cuisine, loved for its simplicity and the decisive flavor of the sea.
Leggi anche: Sapori Mediterranei
Leggi anche: Un Classico Italiano: Spaghetti ai Lupini di Mare