Skordomakarona – Traditional Fasting Pasta from Sifnos

Skordomakarona is a beloved traditional fasting dish from the Cyclades, especially associated with the island of Sifnos. Simple yet deeply flavorful, this garlic-forward pasta combines olive oil, onions, tomato paste, and herbs into a rich Mediterranean sauce that coats every strand of linguine.

This dish proves that traditional Greek fasting recipes can be both humble and incredibly satisfying. With pantry ingredients and a quick cooking process, Cycladic garlic pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, Lenten meals, or anyone craving authentic island flavors.

Skordomakarona – Traditional Fasting Pasta from Sifnos

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Main courseCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

520

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Traditional Cycladic skordomakarona from Sifnos. Garlic-infused pasta in a rich tomato and olive oil sauce — simple, vegan, and full of flavor.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• For the Pasta

• 500 g 1.1 lb Linguine

• 2 1/2 liters 10 1/2 cup Water

• 1 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 tsp Salt

• For the Sauce

• 80 g 1/3 cup Olive Oil

• 6-7 6-7 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped

• 2 2 Large Onions, finely chopped

• 1-2 1-2 Sweet Red Peppers (optional), diced

• Salt and Pepper, to taste

• 1/2 bunch 1/2 bunch Parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Tomato Paste

• 1 tsp 1 tsp Sugar

• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika (optional)

How to make Skordomakarona

• Cook the Pasta
• Bring 2½ liters (10½ cups) of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the salt.
• Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions.
• Reserve 5–6 ladles (about 1½ cups) of pasta water for the sauce.
• Drain the pasta.
• Prepare the Sauce
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
• Add the onions and peppers and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
• Season with salt and pepper, add smoked paprika (if using), and stir.
• Add parsley, tomato paste, and sugar. Sauté briefly.
• Add the reserved pasta water and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Add the pasta to the sauce and toss well.
• Simmer gently over very low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

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What Are Skordomakarona?

Skordomakarona literally means “garlic pasta.” Originating from the Cyclades — particularly Sifnos — this dish is traditionally prepared during fasting periods when dairy and meat are avoided.

Why This Dish Is So Flavorful

The secret lies in:

• Generous use of olive oil
• Slow sautéing of onions
• Proper caramelization of garlic
• Tomato paste sautéed to deepen flavor

Adding pasta water creates a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the linguine.

Perfect for Fasting & Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is:

• Vegan
• Dairy-free
• Budget-friendly
• Rich in olive oil and vegetables

It fits perfectly into a Mediterranean-style eating pattern.

Texture & Taste

Expect:

• Silky strands of linguine
• Deep garlic aroma
• Slight sweetness from onions
• Balanced acidity from tomato paste

Simple ingredients, bold flavor — the essence of Cycladic cooking.