Tuna and Pesto Malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi alla Carlofortina)

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5.0

183 reviews
Excellent

Tuna and Pesto Malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi alla Carlofortina)

Made with creamy basil pesto, fresh tuna and cherry tomatoes, this tuna and pesto malloreddus recipe is a fabulous authentic seafood pasta recipe from the island of San Pietro, off the coast of Sardinia. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be eaten as a pasta salad too!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 400 g malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) (14oz) or trofie
  • 300 g fresh tuna (10-11oz) or canned tuna
  • 15-20 cherry tomatoes cut into halves or quarters
  • 1 onion small
  • ½ glass white wine
  • salt for pasta and to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3-4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.

For Basil Pesto (or ready made 150g/5oz)

  • 4 handfuls fresh basil leaves
  • 30 g pine nuts (1oz)
  • 50 g Parmigiano Reggiano or grana (2oz) grated or pecorino from Sardinia
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • salt to taste
  • extra virgin olive oil. as required
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Instructions

Make the basil pesto

  1. If it’s possible, choose medium sized young basil leaves (brighter green). Rinse the leaves under water and dry them with paper towels. Dry fry the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes if you prefer to have them toasted. Watch they don't burn! I didn't toast them for this recipe!
  2. Put all the ingredients in a mini food processor and pulse a few seconds at a time until you have the right consistency, adding as much olive oil as you need to create a paste. Don’t keep pulsing for too long at once as the blender heats up, this can spoil the basil. Put the pesto in a bowl and set aside.

Make the alla Carlofortina sauce

  1. Peel and chop the onion. Cut the tuna into small cubes (if using fresh or frozen tuna) Wash the tomatoes and cut into halves or quarters.
  2. Fry the finely chopped onion in olive oil in a skillet or deep frying pan until it starts to soften. Add the chopped tuna and brown it on all sides then add the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate. At the end add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper and cook on a medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.

Cook the pasta.

  1. While the sauce is cooking, put a pot of water onto boli for the pasta. Add salt once it starts to boil and bring to the boil again. Cook the pasta al dente  according to the instructions on the packet. When the pasta is ready, save a cup of the cooking water and drain. Add the pasta to the sauce and mix well.
  2. Add the pesto to the pasta and sauce and mix well again. If it seems dry, add a spoonful of the saved pasta cooking water. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can make pasta alla carlofortina with ready-made pesto and canned tuna for a quick and delicious plate of pasta. If you don't have malloreddus or trofie you can use other short pasta like cavatelli or penne or even spaghetti. 
  • This recipe can also be made with homemade malloreddus.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 702kcal (35%) Carbohydrates 82g (27%) Protein 37g (74%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Cholesterol 37mg (12%) Sodium 247mg (10%) Potassium 671mg (19%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 2155IU (43%) Vitamin C 18mg (20%) Calcium 198mg (20%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 702 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 702kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 82g 27%
Protein 37g 74%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 37mg 12%
Sodium 247mg 10%
Potassium 671mg 14%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 2155IU 43%
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Calcium 198mg 20%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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