Il Cucinologo
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Spaghetti with Monte Veronese Sauce and Sea Bass Tartare

17/11/2023

A recipe that combines pasta with a touch of sea and mountain can be a sophisticated and elegant dish. Here’s how to prepare Spaghetti with Monte Veronese Sauce and Sea Bass Tartare:

Ingredients

  • 320 g spaghetti
  • 200 g Monte Veronese DOP (medium-aged)
  • 300 g very fresh sea bass fillet
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated lemon zest
  • Chopped chives (optional)
  • Chopped walnuts (optional for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the sea bass tartare. Remove the skin and any bones from the sea bass fillet and finely dice it into small pieces to make the tartare. Season with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, grated lemon zest, salt, pepper, and, if desired, a bit of chopped chives for freshness. Mix gently and refrigerate covered with plastic wrap.

  2. For the sauce, grate the Monte Veronese cheese and place it in a pan over low heat with a drizzle of pasta cooking water to help it melt. Stir continuously to create a creamy, smooth sauce, adding water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

  3. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a pot of generously salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving some of the cooking water for the sauce.

  4. Transfer the spaghetti to the pan with the Monte Veronese sauce and toss for a few minutes until the pasta is well coated.

  5. Plate the spaghetti by forming a nest in the center of the plate and place a portion of sea bass tartare in the middle. If desired, garnish with chopped chives and chopped walnuts for added crunch and a slight bitter note.

  6. Serve immediately, pairing the dish with a glass of fresh white wine to enhance the delicate flavors of the sea bass and the distinctive taste of Monte Veronese.

Fun Facts

Monte Veronese is a cheese typical of Lessinia, a pre-Alpine area near Verona. It is produced in various aging stages, and for this recipe I recommend a medium-aged cheese for the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. The combination with sea bass creates an equilibrium between land and sea, distinctive and elegant, typical of contemporary Italian cuisine that enjoys playing with contrasts.