Bracioline di Pesce Spada alla Messinese

Name: Bracioline di Pesce Spada alla Messinese
Yield: serves 6
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups fresh mint leaves; 1 cup fresh parsley leaves; 2 fat cloves garlic, peeled and crushed; 4 ounces pine nuts; 6 ounces green Sicilian olives, lightly crushed with a mallet, stones removed, and coarsely chopped; 4 ounces dark raisins, plumped in warm Malvasia delle Lipari or any sweet, ambered wine; 1/3 cup capers preserved under salt, rinsed; 4 ounces pecorino; 6 ounces freshly made fine bread crumbs, toasted; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; Freshly cracked pepper; Fine sea salt, as needed; 2 pounds swordfish, sliced into 1/4-inch steaks; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2/3 cup Malvasia delle Lipari or any sweet, ambered wine

January 24, 2012

One departs Italy—and the European continent—for the journey to Sicilia through the narrow Straits of Messina. The city is an unlovely place, the ravages and wrecks of her face so corrected that she seems benign, with few of her old graces. Snugged inside the tumult of her port sit a few humble houses still dispatching, to the fishermen and the local citizenry, the stews and broths from the old tomes. And it was at one table there where we ate a most luscious rendition of swordfish. A dish typical of Messina, and now of the whole island, it seems, this one was extraordinary for the rich elements of its stuffing, but more for the divine splash of Malvasia in its little sauce.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.