Spaghetti with tuna
Spaghetti with tuna and meatballs, a dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the rich aromas of tomato sauce, is the perfect choice for a quick and delicious dinner. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings a touch of creativity to the plate. Additionally, the tuna meatballs are an excellent option for those looking to diversify their daily menu while keeping it healthy and nutrient-rich.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Necessary ingredients:
*For meatballs:*
- 1 can (195 g) of tuna in its own juice (drained and flaked tuna, juice reserved)
- 25 g pine nuts
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped
- 50 ml milk
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1 beaten egg
- Sea salt, to taste
*For the sauce:*
- 500 g tomato sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt with herbs
- 40 g cornstarch
- 150 ml red wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 200 g spaghetti
Recipe story:
Spaghetti with tuna and meatballs is a recipe that blends the tradition of pasta with the innovation of fish ingredients. Over time, people have discovered that tuna, with its fine texture and delicate taste, can be transformed into juicy meatballs, perfect for serving with pasta. This recipe is ideal for days when you want a healthy yet quick meal.
Step by step:
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This step is essential for achieving perfectly browned meatballs.
2. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, pine nuts, lemon zest, parsley, marjoram, milk, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and sea salt to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are homogeneous. Use your hands to form 16 equal-sized balls.
3. Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs in a heat-resistant dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked. This process will add a crunchy texture on the outside and juicy on the inside.
4. Prepare the sauce: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce with the crushed garlic cloves, sugar, and sea salt with herbs. In another bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the red wine, then add it to the tomato sauce mixture. Place everything over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Finish the sauce: When the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Its aroma will add a vibrant note to the sauce.
6. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure the pasta is al dente for the perfect texture.
7. Assemble the plate: After the pasta is cooked, drain it and mix it with the meatballs and tomato sauce. Ensure that each piece of pasta is well coated with sauce.
Serving:
Serve spaghetti with tuna and meatballs hot, sprinkled with fresh basil and, if desired, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a flavorful focaccia to complete the meal.
Tips for a perfect result:
- Use high-quality tuna, ideally canned in its own juice for better texture.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as dill or oregano, depending on personal preferences.
- If you want a lighter option, try baking the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper instead of frying them in oil.
Nutritional information:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the tuna and contains healthy fats from the pine nuts. Additionally, whole grain pasta can add fiber and essential nutrients, making it an excellent option for a balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tuna can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume them as soon as possible for freshness.
This recipe for spaghetti with tuna and meatballs is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for impressing family and friends. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by its aromas!
Ingredients: For the meatballs: 1 can (195 g) of tuna in its own juice, shredded tuna with juice reserved, 25 g pine nuts, zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped lovage, 50 ml milk, 50 g breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, sea salt to taste. For the sauce: 500 g tomato sauce, 4 cloves of garlic, crushed, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt with herbs, 40 g cornstarch, 150 ml red wine, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped basil, 200 g spaghetti.
