Skoufichts with apaki

06/18/2024

Discover the unique recipe for skiufichta with apaki, a tasty traditional Cretan dish with rich tomato sauce and crispy meat.

Cretan cuisine is full of traditional recipes that combine simple, fresh ingredients in unique ways. One of these tasty gems is the spaghetti with apaki, a recipe that marries the taste of salted meat with the rich tomato sauce and the texture of handmade pasta. In this article, we will discover the process of preparing this amazing dish and explain exactly what spaghetti squash is.

What is spaghetti squash?

Skiufichta are traditional Cretan pasta made from flour and water. Their name comes from the way they are formed, as these pastas are rolled with the fingers, giving them a slightly spiral shape. This handmade process gives them a unique texture that absorbs sauces exceptionally well, making them ideal for rich and flavorful dishes.

Skoufichts with apaki

Materials

500 gr. skiufichta (or other traditional pasta)
250 gr. apaki, cut into strips
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, melted
400 gr. Concasse tomatoes
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Freshly grated mizithra or other cheese for sprinkling
Fresh mint or basil for garnish

Instructions

Put a pot of water on the fire and let it boil. Add the squid and cook according to the instructions on the package, until they are al dente.
Meanwhile, in a deep pot or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the apaki until crispy.
Add the onion and garlic and continue sauteing until soft.
Add the concache tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper and mix well. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Drain the squid and add them to the sauce with the apaki. Stir gently for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve hot, sprinkling with grated myzithra and garnishing with fresh mint or basil.

Conclusion

Spicy macaroni with apaki is an authentic Cretan recipe that combines tradition with taste. With simple but quality ingredients, you can create a dish that will impress your friends and family. Try this recipe and enjoy the rich taste of Crete on your plate. Have fun!