Mediterranean Tuna Tomato Pasta Sauce

Notes from our test kitchen; using good quality Italian canned tomatoes and tuna in olive oil will only improve on the flavor, do not substitute water-packed tuna, a good canned tuna is Progresso or Genoa, look for the small cans that are packed in extra virgin olive oil they are likely to be of higher quality — 4 vine-ripened red tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped may be used in place of the one 14 ounce can drained canned tomatoes

Servings 4-6

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons pine nuts
1 small onion, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped (do not mince finely)
3-4 anchovy fillets
2 teaspoons capers
1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (or adjust to suit heat level)
1 (28 ounce) can diced Italian tomatoes, undrained
1 (14 ounce) can whole plum Italian tomatoes, drained
1 (6-8 ounce) can Italian tuns in olive oil, partially drained (can add with the olive oil to saute in if desired)
1/4 cup light raisins
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add in the pine nuts and cook stirring for 2 minutes or until lightly browned.

Add in the garlic and onion, anchovies, capers and chili flakes; cook stirring for about 3 minutes breaking up the anchovies while cooking.

Add in the 28-ounce can of tomatoes with the juice and the 14-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, drained (or the 4 chopped fresh tomatoes) bring to a boil over medium heat stirring breaking up the whole tomatoes with a fork.

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered stirring occasionally for about 1 hour  or until sauce has thickened, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of salt and fresh ground black pepper about halfway through cooking.

After the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the tuna and raisins; break up the tuna into small pieces as you are stirring; return the sauce to a light simmer and cook for about 6 minutes.

Season with more salt and pepper if desired.

Serve with cooked pasta.

Related posts:

Spinach and Tomato Pasta Carbonara

Kitten’s Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian or Meat Option)

Garlic Lover’s Tomato Pasta Pomodoro

Mediterranean Style Pasta Salad

Roasted Eggplant And Olive Tomato Sauce With Fresh Herbs

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