pasta with tuna (Libyan dish)

Dive into the rich and savory world of Libyan cuisine with Macarona bil Tuna. This hearty dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a robust tomato and tuna sauce, infused with spices for a burst of exotic flavors. Whether you're hosting a dinner or simply exploring new culinary landscapes, this dish promises to enchant your taste buds.

Ingredients

🍝 500g elbow macaroni
🧅 1 large fresh onion, chopped, approx. 1 cup
🫑 1 medium fresh green pepper, chopped, approx. 1/2 cup
🍅 2-3 medium fresh tomatoes, diced, approx. 2 cups
🐟 2 cans flaked tuna, approx. 150-180g each, drained
🍅 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
🧄 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
🫒 3-4 tablespoons cooking oil, e.g., vegetable or olive oil
🌶️ 1 teaspoon black pepper
🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
🧂 1 tablespoon salt, including pasta water
🌿 1 teaspoon cumin
🌿 1 teaspoon coriander
💧 1 cup water

Instructions

1- Prepare the Pasta:

Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander and set aside.

2- Make the Sauce:

Heat the cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, stirring with a wooden spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped green pepper and continue sautéing until slightly softened, around 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, releasing their juices, about 5-7 minutes.

3- Spice it Up:

Mix in the tomato paste, black pepper, paprika, salt, cumin, and coriander. Stir well to combine.
Pour in 1 cup of water, stir, then cover the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes.

4- Finish the Sauce:

Uncover the pan and add the minced garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
Gently fold in the drained flaked tuna, ensuring it mixes evenly with the sauce.

5- Combine and Serve:

Transfer the drained pasta back to the large pot or directly to the pan with the sauce.
Pour the rich tuna tomato sauce over the pasta and mix thoroughly until well coated.
Serve this delightful dish warm as a main course.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-60 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Equipment: Large stockpot, frying pan with enamel coating, wooden spoon, red plastic colander, stovetop