Spaghetti with fish sauce

Spaghetti with Fish Sauce - Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover Mediterranean flavors with this spaghetti with fish sauce recipe, a quick and healthy dish perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. This recipe combines the unmistakable taste of fish with the flavors of fresh vegetables, creating an unforgettable culinary moment. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-make meal option that is rich in nutrients.

Necessary ingredients:

- 400 g spaghetti
- 3 cans of tuna in oil or water (approximately 300 g once drained)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- ½ red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 400 ml water (or as needed to boil the vegetables)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or puree)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried oregano and basil (to taste)

A bit of history:

Spaghetti, a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine, has found its way into people's hearts due to its versatility. Combined with fish, this dish not only offers a unique taste but also provides significant nutritional benefits. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. This simple and quick recipe can be easily adapted based on available ingredients, making it an ideal dish in any household.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the spaghetti. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

2. Cleaning and chopping the vegetables:
While the spaghetti is boiling, clean the onion, carrot, and bell peppers. Chop the onion finely, dice the carrot, and cut the bell peppers into small pieces. These vegetables will add both texture and flavor to your sauce.

3. Preparing the sauce:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the carrot and bell peppers, continuing to sauté the vegetables for another 5-7 minutes until they soften.

4. Adding the spices:
Sprinkle the paprika over the vegetables and mix well, allowing the flavors to develop. Then add enough water to cover the vegetables and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked.

5. Including the tuna:
When the vegetables are cooked, add the drained tuna, broken into small pieces, the tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes to integrate the flavors.

6. Finalizing the dish:
After the sauce is ready and the spaghetti is cooked, drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet over the fish sauce. Gently toss to ensure that each strand of spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.

7. Serving:
Serve immediately, sprinkling some fresh basil on top for added flavor. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or a slice of lemon.

Suggestions and variations:

- If you want to add a spicy note, you can sprinkle some chili pepper or chili flakes in the sauce.
- Substitute the tuna with salmon or sardines for a different fish option.
- Add black olives or capers for an extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Offer a crunchy note with grated parmesan or feta cheese on top.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of spaghetti with fish sauce has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and type of tuna used. This dish is rich in protein due to the fish and contains essential vitamins from the vegetables that help maintain overall health. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids from the fish are recognized for their benefits to the heart and brain.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, you can use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier, fiber-rich option.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can experiment with zucchini, spinach, or other vegetables to diversify the ingredients.

3. How can I store the sauce?
The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can reheat it in a skillet, adding a little water.

Enjoy every bite of this spaghetti with fish sauce, a dish that combines simplicity with refinement, perfect for any occasion. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: a package of spaghetti weighing 400 g, 3 cans of tuna, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 yellow bell pepper, half a red bell pepper, oregano and basil, tomato paste or tomato puree