Linguine with sardine pesto

Linguine with sardine pesto isn’t the most visually appealing dish, but it is so tasty I overlook that shortcoming. A regular tin of sardines makes enough pesto for two, so Adam and I will often have this while the girls go for the basil version. I don’t remember where I came across this recipe – I think I may have clipped it out of the newspaper way back when…

Linguine with sardine pesto
(serves 2)

• 200g linguine
• 120g tin of good quality sardines in oil
• 3 anchovy fillets
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 red chilli (or to taste)
• a small bunch of parsley
• juice of half a lemon
• olive oil
• salt and pepper

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the linguine and cook until done.
2. While the pasta is cooking, blend the sardines, anchovies, garlic, chilli and parsley until almost a paste.
3. Thin with lemon juice and a bit of olive oil until it is the consistency of pesto.
4. Season to taste, toss with the drained pasta and serve.

Tags: dairy-free, Italian food, sardines