Best Easy Involtini di Pesce Spada Recipe

Swordfish rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, capers, and pine nuts from Sicily. This high protein mediterranean dish is a fresh, elegant family dinner with bold southern Italian flavors.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 270 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein #family dinner #seafood main
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • swordfish steaks 1 lb
  • fresh parsley 0.5 cup
  • pine nuts 0.25 cup
  • golden raisins 2 tbsp
  • capers 2 tbsp
  • lemon 1 piece
  • toothpicks 8 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • breadcrumbs 0.67 cup
  • extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
  • kosher salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 19%
Protein 32 g 48%
Fat 9 g 33%
Serving size 170g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush a baking sheet with 1 tbsp of olive oil to prevent sticking.

  2. 2

    Lay the swordfish steaks flat and pound gently with a meat mallet to about 1/4-inch thickness for easy rolling.

  3. 3

    In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, pine nuts, capers, raisins, chopped parsley, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined; squeeze in half the lemon for freshness.

  4. 4

    Spread the breadcrumb mixture over each swordfish slice, leaving a small border; tightly roll each up and secure with a toothpick.

  5. 5

    Arrange rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet, brush tops lightly with remaining olive oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden and fish is just cooked through.

  6. 6

    Garnish with lemon wedges and a drizzle of extra olive oil before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Swordfish is the key ingredient, providing a firm, mild seafood base and high protein content. The pairing with traditional Sicilian ingredients like pine nuts, capers, and breadcrumbs defines the roll’s unique taste and identity.
Q. What is the secret to perfectly cooked swordfish rolls?
Cook the rolls in a hot oven (400°F) for just 12–15 minutes to keep the fish moist. Pounding the swordfish thin ensures even cooking without drying out or overcooking the delicate fish.
Q. How do you prevent dry texture in the Involtini di Pesce Spada?
Generously brush the fish with olive oil and avoid overbaking. The stuffing mixture also helps retain moisture. Remove from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the fish is opaque for a tender bite.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving have?
Each serving contains approximately 270 kcal and 32 grams of protein, with 48% of calories from protein, 19% from carbohydrates, and 33% from fat.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes. The main ingredients are swordfish, olive oil, capers, parsley, and pine nuts, all of which are staples of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s high in protein, uses heart-healthy fats, and features vibrant, fresh flavors.
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