Linguine with Tuna and Eggplant Sauce
17/11/2023Linguine with tuna and eggplant sauce is a dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with pasta. Here is the recipe to prepare it.
Ingredients
- 320 g of linguine
- 250 g of drained canned tuna
- 2 medium eggplants
- 400 g of canned peeled tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 clove of garlic
- Fresh basil to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Salt to taste
- Chili pepper (optional)
Preparation
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Begin by washing and cutting the eggplants into cubes. If you prefer, you can also partially peel them alternately to give a more pleasant appearance to the dish. Place the eggplant cubes in a colander, sprinkle them with coarse salt and let them rest for about 30 minutes to lose their bitterness.
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In the meantime, rinse the eggplants under running water to remove excess salt and dry them by dabbing with kitchen paper.
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Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet and sauté the garlic until golden, then remove it. Add the eggplants and let them brown until they are slightly golden. At this point, add the drained tuna and let it flavor for a few minutes.
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Add the peeled tomatoes or tomato puree to the eggplants and tuna. Season with salt and if you like, add a bit of chili pepper to give a spicy touch. Let it cook on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. A few torn basil leaves can be added a couple of minutes before turning off the heat.
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While the sauce is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine al dente following the times indicated on the package.
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Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to the skillet with the tuna and eggplant sauce. Toss it briefly to blend the flavors well.
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Serve the linguine hot, topped with hand-torn fresh basil and a drizzle of raw oil if desired.
Curiosity
Tuna is a widely used ingredient in Italian cuisine and pairs well with many ingredients, from various vegetables to legumes and of course pasta. Eggplants, with their meaty texture and distinctive flavor, are suited for hearty sauces and enrich this dish making it substantial and delicious.