Calandrando is not just a dish—it’s a cultural experience that brings together the best of Sicilian cuisine. A vibrant mix of fresh seafood, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this dish encapsulates the essence of Italy’s southernmost island. Whether you’ve tasted it in a Sicilian seaside trattoria or made it yourself at home, Calandrando offers a unique and mouthwatering adventure. In this post, we will dive into the history, ingredients, preparation, and tips for making the perfect Calandrando, a true taste of Sicily.
What Is Calandrando?
Calandrando is a traditional Sicilian seafood dish that combines pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, herbs, and freshly caught seafood. Originating from the coastal areas of Sicily, it reflects the island’s culinary heritage influenced by various civilizations such as the Arabs, Greeks, and Normans. It’s a perfect representation of the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean: bold, aromatic, and savory
This dish can include various seafood such as shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, and sometimes even lobster, all cooked to perfection in a tomato-based sauce, often enhanced with white wine and a hint of saffron
The result is a satisfying, fresh, and flavorful meal that captures the soul of Sicilian cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Calandrando
The key to making a great Calandrando lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to prepare this dish:
- Fresh Seafood: Mussels, clams, squid, shrimp, and sometimes cuttlefish or lobster.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin, preferably from Sicily.
- Garlic and Onions: These create the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Tomatoes: Ripe, fresh tomatoes or canned San Marzano tomatoes are best for the sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, and oregano are commonly used.
- White Wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sicilian Grillo adds depth.
- Pasta: Traditionally served with spaghetti or linguine.
- Saffron (optional): For that rich color and distinctive flavor.
- Lemon: A squeeze at the end adds brightness.
How to Prepare Calandrando
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Start by cleaning your seafood thoroughly. Scrub the mussels and clams, remove the skin from the squid, and cut it into rings. Marinate the seafood with some olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice to infuse them with flavor
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce Base
In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook them until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic, cooking it until fragrant. Then, throw in the fresh herbs like parsley and basil, allowing them to release their aromas
Next, add diced tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook down, breaking apart into a thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, giving the sauce a depth of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Once your tomato base is ready, add the seafood to the pan. Let everything cook together, making sure the mussels and clams open up, and the shrimp turns pink. If you’re using saffron, steep it in a little warm water and stir it in for that beautiful yellow color and rich flavor
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
While your seafood cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente. Before draining, be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water. This can help adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the seafood sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. The pasta should be well-coated with the sauce. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parsley
Expert Tips for the Perfect Calandrando
- Use Fresh, Local Ingredients: The key to an authentic Calandrando is high-quality seafood and fresh, ripe tomatoes. The better your ingredients, the better your dish will taste.
- Marinate the Seafood: Giving your seafood a quick marinate before cooking can enhance the flavors and add an extra layer of depth to your dish.
- Balance Flavors: Sicilian chefs emphasize balancing the sweetness of tomatoes, the saltiness of the seafood, and the acidity of white wine. Taste as you cook and adjust the seasoning.
- Presentation Matters: Calandrando should be as beautiful as it is delicious. Arrange the seafood over the pasta and garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Where to Experience Calandrando
If you’re in Sicily, you’re in for a treat! Many local trattorias and family-run restaurants offer Calandrando as part of their menu. For an authentic experience, head to the coastal towns of Trapani, Palermo, or Catania, where fresh seafood is at its finest
These regions often serve Calandrando with a unique twist, incorporating local flavors like citrus in Catania or couscous in Trapani.
If you’re not in Sicily, don’t worry! With the right ingredients, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen and bring a little bit of the Mediterranean to your home
Conclusion: Taste the Heart of Sicily with Calandrando
Calandrando is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Sicily’s rich history and cultural influences. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this dish has become a symbol of Sicilian hospitality and the island’s deep connection to the sea. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or perfecting your recipe, Calandrando is sure to impress.
FAQs
Q1: What is Calandrando?
Calandrando is a traditional Sicilian seafood dish made with pasta, fresh seafood, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, often enhanced with white wine and saffron.
Q2: Can I make Calandrando with other seafood?
Yes! Calandrando is versatile, and you can use different types of seafood like lobster, squid, clams, and even octopus, depending on what’s available.
Q3: What type of pasta should I use for Calandrando?
Spaghetti or linguine are the most common choices, but you can use any pasta you like.
Q4: How do I know if the seafood is fresh enough?
Fresh seafood should have a clean, ocean-like smell. Mussels and clams should be tightly closed, and shrimp should have firm, translucent flesh.
Q5: What can I pair with Calandrando?
A crisp white wine, such as Sicilian Grillo or Chardonnay, is a perfect complement to Calandrando. It enhances the flavors of the seafood and adds to the overall dining experience.