The Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. One such dish that exemplifies these characteristics is spaghetti with tuna and lemon. This recipe not only showcases the simplicity of Mediterranean cooking, but it also offers a zesty and refreshing twist to a classic pasta dish.
To start, gather the following ingredients for a serving of two: 200 grams of spaghetti, 150 grams of canned tuna in olive oil, 1 lemon, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, a handful of fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, drain the canned tuna and set it aside. Zest the lemon and squeeze the juice into a small bowl.
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly turn bitter.
Next, add the drained tuna to the skillet, breaking it apart with a fork into bite-sized pieces. Stir gently to combine the tuna with the garlic and olive oil, allowing it to heat through for about 3-4 minutes.
Once the spaghetti is cooked to perfection, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it. This starchy water will come in handy later for creating a silky sauce. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tuna, garlic, and olive oil mixture, tossing to evenly coat the pasta.
Now it’s time to add the zesty and refreshing touch to this dish. Pour the lemon juice over the spaghetti, followed by the lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss to combine, ensuring that the flavors are distributed evenly.
As a final touch, roughly chop a handful of fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top of the dish. The vibrant green color and herbaceous aroma will enhance the visual appeal and flavors of the spaghetti with tuna and lemon.
If the sauce appears too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. The starch in the water will help bind everything together and create a light and velvety sauce.
Serve the spaghetti with tuna and lemon immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of lemon zest and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a side salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
In conclusion, this zesty Mediterranean recipe for spaghetti with tuna and lemon is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, it is a perfect option for a quick and healthy meal. So, why not bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen and indulge in this flavorful delight?