Spaghetti with tuna
Tuna Spaghetti - A Delicious and Comforting Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
In a world full of sophisticated recipes and rare ingredients, sometimes the best thing is to return to the basics. Tuna spaghetti is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines culinary tradition with a touch of innovation. I learned this recipe from my mother-in-law but added a few ingredients that give it a personal touch and make it even more delicious. Let's explore this recipe together, step by step!
Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti
- 200 g canned tuna, shredded
- 1/4 onion or 1/2, depending on size
- 1-2 bell peppers (red or green for a vibrant look)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or puree
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- A handful of fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh parsley, to taste
- A few pitted olives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of Parmigiano or another type of cheese, optional
Necessary Utensils
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A deep skillet or wok
- A knife and chopping board for cutting vegetables
- A wooden spoon for mixing
Step by Step
1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add water and salt. When it reaches boiling point, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes. It is important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
2. Cool the pasta: After boiling, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This will prevent them from sticking together and will maintain the al dente texture.
3. Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cools, heat a little olive oil in a deep skillet. Add the finely chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and crushed garlic. Sauté them over medium heat just until they become translucent, being careful not to burn them. This step allows the flavors to reveal themselves without acquiring a bitter taste.
4. Add the spices: Include the bay leaves, fresh chopped basil, and tomato paste. Mix well, then add a cup of water. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes so the flavors can combine.
5. Incorporate the tuna: When the sauce has reduced slightly, add the canned tuna. Stir gently to avoid breaking the fish too much. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so that all the ingredients can blend together.
6. Add the vegetables: Finally, add the chopped parsley and quartered olives. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
7. Finalizing the dish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix well so that the sauce evenly coats the spaghetti. Cook everything together for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
8. Serving: Portion the dish onto plates. Sprinkle grated Parmigiano or your favorite cheese on top. This recipe is perfect to enjoy with a glass of semi-dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.
Useful Tips
- Choosing ingredients: Make sure to use quality tuna, preferably packed in oil, to add an extra note of flavor. If you prefer, you can use tuna in water, but you will need to add a little olive oil to the sauce to compensate.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or green olives. You can also add chili peppers for a bit of spice.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of tuna spaghetti has about 450-500 calories, making it a good source of protein due to the tuna. It also contains fiber from the pasta and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is a healthy option and adds a richer taste to the dish.
- How can I make the recipe vegetarian? You can omit the tuna and add extra vegetables or tofu to maintain the consistency.
- What is the best cheese to serve? Parmigiano is ideal, but you can also try feta or mozzarella for a different texture.
This tuna spaghetti recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavors, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Feel free to personalize it to your tastes and leave your mark on it. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 300 g spaghetti, 200 g canned tuna, shredded, a quarter onion or half, depending on the size of the onion, a few strands of pepper (if you have red, it's nicer, adds color), 2 tablespoons of broth or tomato paste, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 bay leaves, a little chopped fresh basil, parsley to taste, a few pitted olives, salt, pepper, a handful of Parmigiano or any other cheese you like, if desired...
