Recipe of the Month

March

This winter feels like the longest ever - there's been snow on the ground here in Aberdeenshire since the middle of December, and as I write this on the last day of February it's still snowing !  So, perfect weather then to stay in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes.  This one is a favourite with my family - anything with pasta usually is!  It uses mainly store cupboard ingredients and just needs a salad or maybe some steamed broccoli to go with it.  I'm hoping that by the time I come to write a recipe feature for April, the snow will be long gone!

Tuna & Tomato Pasta Bake

Serves 6

300g fusilli pasta (or other small pasta shape)

15mls olive oil

1 large onion, peeled & chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, peeled & crushed

15mls tomato puree

2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

5mls dried mixed herbs

2 x 185g cans tuna in brine, well drained

2 slices wholemeal bread made into bread crumbs

100g each grated mozzarella & strong cheddar (or parmesan)

salt & freshly ground black pepper

1.  Pre-heat the oven to 180degC.  Heat the olive oil in a saute pan - add the onions & garlic and cook gently for about 5 minutes.  Add the tomato puree & dried herbs and cook for a further minute.

2.  Add the tinned tomatoes to the pan and season well.  Bring to a gentle simmer - cover and leave to cook while you prepare the pasta.

3.  Place the fusilli pasta into a large pan of boiling salted water - cook according to pack instructions then drain thoroughly.  Mix the drained tuna into the cooked pasta then transfer to a large oven proof dish.

4.  Check the tomato sauce for seasoning, then pour over the pasta & tuna. 

5.  Combine the breadcrumbs with the grated cheeses and a little salt & freshly ground black pepper.  Sprinkle evenly over the pasta & sauce.  Finish with a little more dried herbs and place into the pre-heated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden & bubbling.  Serve on warmed plates with salad or steamed broccoli on the side.

 "Food is not about impressing people.  It's about making them comfortable'' 

- Ina Garten