Friday, April 26, 2013

Frugal Foodie Friday - Pantry Pasta with Tuna, Lemon and Breadcrumbs


From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I was lured into a local market this week by one of their 10 for $10 bargains. Tuna was on sale and I couldn't resist the opportunity to restock the pantry while prices were this low. I love the Italian oil-packed tuna, but I save it for special dishes and tend to rely on domestic varieties for everyday use. I usually keep a supply of the less expensive brands on hand for tuna melts and other more pedestrian entrees, but as I was unpacking my stash I realized the less expensive tuna would also be a wonderful source of protein for a frugal Friday meal. Pasta dishes can be terrific money savers, and if you don't have to watch carbs or calories, they are a wonderful way to feed a family on a limited food budget. Tonight's feature can be table ready in less than 30 minutes and it is nearly foolproof to make. Like many of these quick and inexpensive meals, it helps to have a rhythm as you work your way through the assembly steps. So, like all good cooks, you'll begin by preheating the oven and setting the water to boil. This will give you time to prepare and toast the breadcrumbs, which have a special function here. You'll want to keep them coarse because they add some texture to an otherwise one-note pasta. Be sure to save some pasta water to help sauce the noodles. This dish tends to be dry and you'll need the water to moisten and coat the noodles. The predominant flavors here will be provided by the lemon zest and slivered olives. Unfortunately, this dish does not age well, so make no more than you need for a single meal. I actually cut this recipe in half when there are just two of us at the table. This is a lovely family meal and I do hope you'll give it a try. I've also included a selection of other pasta dishes that would be perfect for a for a frugal Friday meal. First, let's see how tonight's feature is made. Here's the recipe.

Spaghetti with Tuna, Lemon and Bread Crumbs...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Martha Stewart

Ingredients:
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 pound spaghetti
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons slivered Kalamata olives
2 cans (6 ounces each) chunk light tuna in water, drained

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse bread and 1 teaspoon oil until coarse crumbs form. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, tossing occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.
2) Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta, and return to pot. Add lemon zest and juice, parsley, olives, and 1 tablespoon oil; toss, adding enough pasta water to coat. Add tuna; toss gently. Serve sprinkled with breadcrumbs. Yield: 4 servings.









Spaghetti on the Cheap













Spaghetti al Limone:















Pasta Puttanesca















Martha Stewart's Spaghetti 101















Braised Kale with Spaghetti










13 comments :

Diane said...

We both love pasta and tuna so this would be a popular dish in this house. Have a great weekend Diane

Alicia Foodycat said...

Pasta with tuna and lemon (with parsley, not breadcrumbs) was the first thing I ever cooked for Paul! It's such a great dish.

Unknown said...

I've made this recipe.. or something very similar to it for about a year or so now. We love it. It's simple, it's flavorful, and it's easy on the wallet... can't beat that!

Kim said...

What a great way to use canned tuna, MAry! Love these pastas and I will definitly try these:)

David said...

Mary, Canned tuna and canned chicken with some type of pasta and an inventive or zesty sauce are a fall back staple at our house. Inexpensive and filling...with enough left over for a lunch or two! Thanks for your recipe... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Mr. & Mrs. P said...

Looks delicious.. What a great quick meal... Thanks for sharing.

Barbara F. said...

So simple and so delicious! I grew up eating that "Italian" tuna, so much more flavor, no mayo needed! I never even tasted tuna and mayo until I went to work, and at lunch time it was what all the girls were having. xo

A Paixão da Isa said...

humm gosto mt de massa e esta ela esta 5* ja comia um bocadinho humm bjs bfs e tudo de bom

decocinasytacones said...

Pasta can feed a crowd and I´m so pleased I put this blog a face. I don´t know why but I thought you were in Ireland!!!.
You´re very pretty.
Love from Spain. Have a great weekend.
Marialuisa

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

How delicious my friend, gorgeous :D
And loving your blog look change!

Cheers
CCU

teresa said...

your blog looks great and i love your profile pic!

what a delicious looking pasta, tuna is always a delicious and frugal choice.

Big Dude said...

I don't believe I've had tuna with pasta but this dish sounds very good as do the others.

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

This sounds wonderful, my husband is a fan of tuna and with the olives even I am looking forward to having some, thanks.

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