The spaghetti with garlic, oil and chili pepper with mullet roe is a simple and quick first course with an extraordinary aroma.

It’s the perfect dish for a quick spaghetti reunion or to include in a complete menu without weighing it down.

Ingredients

Suggested Tools

I used powdered roe.
Prepare two tablespoons of powdered roe.
In a pan, heat a couple of dried red chili peppers and some parsley stems along with the garlic, oil and chili pepper mix and the powdered roe, then turn off the heat.
Briefly heat until the ingredients release all their aromas, scents, and flavors.
With the heat off, pour a base of oil over the ingredients.
Cook the pasta, rinse it under running water and drain it.
Meanwhile, lightly reheat the sauce – the oil should not cook.
Remove the red chili peppers from the pan.
Place the pasta in the pan with the sauce and mix.
Serve.
Grind some pepper.
Your spaghetti with garlic, oil and chili pepper with roe are ready.
Enjoy your meal!

Use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content.

For a fresher taste, add a sprinkle of grated lemon zest over the spaghetti.
Complete with chopped parsley if desired.

Powdered roe should be stored in a tightly closed jar, in a cool and dry place.

What is mullet roe?
Mullet roe consists of salted and dried fish eggs from the grey mullet.
It is high in calories but used in small quantities, grated or powdered, for flavoring.
The calories mainly come from high-quality protein and fats, while carbohydrates are absent.
It’s a bit like adding grated cheese to a non-fish pasta dish.
It is also a good source of omega-3.

In Sicily, roe is a widely used ingredient, and I take advantage of buying it when we are in the area of Marzamemi – a small fishing village where historic fish product establishments are located – Noto or Syracuse.
What does roe taste like?
It has an intense and slightly savory taste.
How much roe to use for a portion of pasta?
A few grams are enough: about 0.2-0.4 oz per person.
Tuna roe or mullet roe: what’s the difference?
Tuna roe has a stronger flavor.
Mullet roe – grey mullet – is more delicate.
The choice depends on personal taste.