Usually you will come across ‘strozzapreti’ – the type of pasta which normally accompanies this dish - with a sausage or fish sauce made from, for example, prawns or monkfish. We would like to introduce a variant, keeping the fish flavours but giving the recipe a more ‘everyday’ feel. The result is a main course with tuna and light diced fresh tomato, ideal for any family lunch. A cheap and tasty recipe that undoubtedly suggests home cooking.
* approximate values per serving
Prepare all the ingredients. Finely chop the onion and fry in some extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan. Add the tuna. Separately, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 10 seconds, then peel and cut into chunks. Add them in to the pan and simmer the sauce for a few minutes. Adjust the salt. Add a good tablespoon of capers. In another pan, cook the pasta in boiling salted water. Drain and mix with the sauce. Then add a good dash of extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
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Fry the onion in a frying pan
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Add the tuna
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Blanch, peel and cut the tomatoes into pieces
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Add the capers
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Cook the pasta, then drain and mix with the prepared sauce. Finish with a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
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One of the most appreciated variations of strozzapreti with tuna is certainly the one that includes the addition of fresh cherry tomatoes. This preparation enriches the dish with a note of sweetness and freshness, making it perfect for summer days. The cherry tomatoes, blanched and then combined with the tuna and onion, create a light and tasty sauce that pairs wonderfully with the pasta. You can also opt for datterini tomatoes, which are particularly sweet and juicy. This variation is ideal for those looking for a dish that can be served both hot and at room temperature, perfect for an outdoor lunch or a light dinner. Don't forget to garnish with a bit of chopped fresh parsley for a final touch of color and flavor.
Strozzapreti with tuna can also be prepared in a typically Romagna style, which involves the use of fresh and local ingredients. In this version, in addition to tuna and cherry tomatoes, you can add Taggiasca olives, which enrich the dish with an intense and salty flavor. The onion is replaced by shallot for a more delicate taste. This preparation is perfect for those who want to savor a dish that encapsulates the aromas and flavors of the culinary tradition of Emilia Romagna. Serving the strozzapreti with a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as pecorino, can add a touch of creaminess and savoriness, making the dish even more appetizing.
For those who are mindful of their figure, the recipe for strozzapreti with tuna can be prepared in a light version, without oil and with light ingredients. In this preparation, the onion can be sautéed in water or vegetable broth to avoid the use of fats. Canned tuna can be chosen in the natural variant to further reduce calories. Adding a generous amount of fresh tomatoes and capers creates a flavorful and light sauce, perfect for those who desire a healthy and nutritious meal. This variation is also ideal for those following a low-calorie diet or for anyone wishing to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
The dish of strozzapreti with tuna is not only tasty but also brings numerous nutritional benefits. Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, which support cardiovascular health and metabolism. Cherry tomatoes, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contribute to skin health and the immune system. The calories per serving of strozzapreti with tuna are around 400-500, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. This dish, therefore, can be a nutritious and balanced choice, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
A common question concerns the possibility of freezing strozzapreti with tuna. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze the dish, but there are some precautions to keep in mind. It is advisable to freeze only the pasta with the sauce, avoiding freezing the canned tuna, which could alter its texture. Before freezing, make sure the dish is completely cooled and store it in an airtight container. When you wish to consume it, just thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and then reheat it in a pan or microwave. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dish of strozzapreti with tuna even at a later time!