The pasta with lassini and sun-dried tomatoes is a simple yet extraordinarily flavorful Sicilian dish.
The lassini or amareddi species hoary mustard [Hirschfeldia incana] – family Brassicaceae is a wild herb whose tops, leaves, and tender part of the stem are harvested and consumed.
Harvesting generally occurs between March and April before the plant fully blooms.
The budding inflorescences resemble broccoli rabe.
In Sicily, the lassini or amareddi are variously known as:
cavuliceddri, sciuriddi, cavuledda, mazzareddi, spicuna sarbaggi, qualuddru, qualeddra;
depending on the province of origin.
The lassini or hoary mustard have a characteristic, intense, and slightly bitter taste similar to sanapo [black mustard].
You can replicate with broccoli rabe, sanapo, or other wild bitter greens typical of your area.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 2People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 5.6 oz whole wheat spaghetti
- lassini
- as needed water
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch baking soda
- 2 fillets anchovies (drained)
- as needed sun-dried tomatoes (well-drained if in oil)
- 0.07 oz garlic, oil, and chili pepper mix
- as needed tomato sauce (homemade)
- 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil (raw)
- 1 pinch mixed peppercorns (with grinder)
Suggested Tools
- 1 Chopper or Mixer
- 1 Frying Pan
Preparation
What are lassini called in Italian?
lassini or amareddi species hoary mustard – family Brassicaceae.
Clean the lassini by selecting tops, leaves, and the tender part of the stem.
Wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.In a pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Add the lassini and a pinch of baking soda to keep them bright green and boil for 5-10 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the lassini, transfer them to a colander, and press to squeeze out excess water.Place in the mixer:
• a couple of anchovies;
• some sun-dried tomatoes;
• a handful of boiled lassini;
and chop.In a pan, heat the garlic, oil, and chili pepper mix.
Add the chopped mix, the reserved lassini, and a couple of tablespoons of tomato sauce.
Mix and turn off the heat.Cook the pasta, rinse it under running water, and drain.
Meanwhile, heat the lassini-based sauce.
Pour the pasta into the pan with the lassini sauce and mix.
Off the heat, drizzle with a little oil and mix again.Plate the dish.
Grind some more pepper.Your pasta with lassini and sun-dried tomatoes is ready.
Enjoy your meal!
Variations
You can replicate with broccoli rabe, sanapo, or other wild bitter greens typical of your area.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What are lassini?
The lassini or amareddi species hoary mustard [Hirschfeldia incana] – family Brassicaceae is a wild herb whose tops, leaves, and tender part of the stem are harvested and consumed.
Harvesting generally occurs between March and April before the plant fully blooms.
The budding inflorescences resemble broccoli rabe.
In Sicily, the lassini or amareddi are variously known as:
cavuliceddri, sciuriddi, cavuledda, mazzareddi, spicuna sarbaggi, qualuddru, qualeddra;
depending on the province of origin.
The lassini or hoary mustard have a characteristic, intense, and slightly bitter taste similar to sanapo [black mustard].What other vegetables can I substitute for lassini?
They are similar to broccoli rabe.
You can substitute lassini with broccoli rabe, sanapo, or other wild bitter greens typical of your area.
