Spaghetti with Tuna and Lemon

Spaghetti with tuna and lemon are a simple and tasty dish, perfect for those who love sea flavors with a touch of citrus freshness. Here is the recipe with an Italian touch:

Ingredients

• 320g spaghetti
• 200g tuna in oil (preferably natural)
• The grated zest and juice of 1 organic lemon
• 2 garlic cloves
• Fresh parsley to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste (optional)
• Chili pepper to taste (optional for those who like spicy flavors)

Preparation

1. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
2. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan and lightly brown the garlic cloves.
3. Add the drained tuna and let it flavor for a few minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
4. Grate the lemon zest and squeeze the juice, being careful not to include the white part under the zest, which could make the dish bitter.
5. Add the lemon zest and juice to the pan with the tuna and mix gently.
6. When the water boils, cook the spaghetti al dente following the instructions on the package.
7. Drain the spaghetti, reserving some cooking water, and transfer them to the pan with the tuna and lemon sauce.
8. Toss in the pan, adding a bit of cooking water if necessary to emulsify everything well.
9. Adjust salt and pepper, add some chopped fresh parsley, and, if desired, a pinch of chili pepper to give some liveliness to the dish.
10. Serve the spaghetti immediately while hot.

Interesting Facts

The lemon is a highly appreciated ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially along the Tyrrhenian coast where, thanks to the mild climate, lemons of excellent quality are grown. Paired with tuna, lemon not only adds a touch of freshness but also helps to enhance the flavor of the fish. This dish represents a perfect encounter between land and sea, characteristic of various Italian regions.